EFFICACY OF THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF DRY SOCKET: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Background: Dry socket (alveolar osteitis) is a common and painful complication following tooth extraction, particularly involving mandibular third molars. It is characterized by premature loss of the blood clot, leading to exposed bone, severe pain, and delayed healing. Numerous therapeutic interventions have been proposed, yet there is no universally accepted standard treatment. Objective: To systematically evaluate the efficacy of therapeutic interventions in the management of dry socket, focusing on pain relief, healing time, and safety outcomes. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for studies published between 2000 and 2025. Randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and comparative clinical trials evaluating treatment modalities for dry socket were included. Data extraction focused on intervention type, pain reduction (VAS), healing duration, and complications. Results: A total of 38 studies were included. Interventions evaluated included medicated dressings (Alvogyl, zinc oxide eugenol), chlorhexidine, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), low-level laser therapy (LLLT), systemic antibiotics, and adjunctive therapies. PRF and LLLT demonstrated superior outcomes in both pain reduction and accelerated healing. Traditional dressings provided rapid symptomatic relief but were associated with delayed socket healing. Chlorhexidine showed moderate efficacy, particularly as an adjunct. Conclusion: Regenerative therapies such as PRF and LLLT show significant advantages over conventional treatments. While traditional medicated dressings remain useful for immediate pain relief, biologically driven approaches may provide better long-term outcomes. Further large-scale trials are required to standardize treatment protocols