Netnapis Chanasongkram2011-02-222011-02-222010-01-132010-01-13Vajira Medical Journal; Vol. 51 No. 1 January - April 2007; 67-71http://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/133173Abstract Alveolar Osteitis Netnapis     Chanasongkram   DDM Dental Section, BMA Medical College and Vajira Hospital Alveolar osteitis, condition known as a "dry socket" is the most common complication following dental extraction. Its precise etiology and effective prevention remain unclear. There are many risk factors that contribute to the development of alveolar osteitis such as trauma, coagulopathies, smoking, preexisting oral infection, female, oral contraceptive pills, oral bacteria etc. Some preventions suggested to be the guideline in reducing its incidence consist of using systemic antibiotic orally after extraction or surgery (metronidazole, clindamycin) and perioperative antiseptic mouth rinsing. Concerning about its management, pain relieving and wound healing stimulation are the main purposes. Vajira Med J 2007 ; 51 : 67 - 71en-USFaculty of Medicine, Vajira Hospital, University of Bangkok Metropolis, Bangkok, ThailandReview Articles