Comments from Expert Advisory Group
- Dry socket is an inflammatory complication of tooth extraction.
- Antibiotics should not be used for the prevention of dry socket prior to dental extraction.
- Antibiotics are not indicated in the management of dry socket unless there are signs of a spreading infection or systemic involvement.
- If osteomyelitis is suspected, seek specialist oral surgery/ oral and maxillofacial surgery advice.
- Management involves local measures, including:
- Irrigation with saline and packing of the socket. Antimicrobial mouthwash such as chlorhexidine can be used. Caution: very rare risk of anaphylaxis with chlorhexidine.
- Prescribing or advising on analgesia.
- Advising use of warm salty mouthwashes.
- Follow up and review of the patient for resolution.
Weight Based Dosing Tables for Analgesia in Children
Review November 2023