Summary
This study analyzed predisposing factors and clinical features by evaluating data from a series of patients diagnosed with alveolar osteitis. The data from consecutive patients seen between January and December 2019 with alveolar osteitis at an oral and maxillofacial surgery hospital clinic were evaluated. Data like gender, sex, medical history, smoking, substance abuse, and data relating to dental extraction were noted. Additionally, the symptoms and signs presented and the clinical form were noted. Statistical analyses were performed using descriptive statistics and the likelihood ratio test. Alveolar osteitis occurred more frequently in males in their third decade of life (p = 0.032). Oral contraceptive use (29 %) and smoking (49 %) were prevalent. There was a mean of 1.2 extractions per patient. Difficult extraction (44 %) and lower molars (42.6 %) were the main factors related to extraction. The cases were diagnosed as dry socket (60 %) and hyperplastic/suppurative alveolitis (40 %). Malaise and radiating pain were the main symptoms but were not associated with a specific clinical form (p > 0.05). Mandibular trismus and halitosis were the major signs related to the dry socket clinical form (p = 0.001). It was concluded that individual factors such as smoking and the use of oral contraceptives and factors related to dental extraction, such as complex and isolated lower molars, should be considered predisposing factors for alveolar osteitis. In contrast, intense symptomatology not commonly associated with extractions, such as malaise, radiating pain, mandibular trismus, and halitosis, should be considered characteristics of this entity.
KEY WORDS: alveolar osteitis, dry socket, tooth extraction, risk factors, signs and symptoms.
How to cite this article
RODRIGUES, A. F.; CAMINO JUNIOR, R.; DEBONI, M. C. Z. & LUZ, J. G. C. Analysis of predisposing factors and clinical features of alveolar osteitis seen in a hospital emergency room. Int. J. Odontostomat., 19(3):210-214,2025.