Dental Assistant Practice Exam

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What is the common name for Post-Extraction Alveolar Osteitis?

Dry socket
Gingivitis
Canker sore
Periodontitis

The correct answer is: Dry socket

Post-Extraction Alveolar Osteitis is commonly known as "dry socket." This condition typically occurs after a tooth has been extracted, particularly after the removal of wisdom teeth. Dry socket arises when the blood clot that normally forms in the socket fails to develop properly or is dislodged, leaving the underlying bone exposed and unprotected. This can lead to significant pain and discomfort, as well as delayed healing. The term "dry socket" is widely recognized not only in dental practice but also among patients, making it a straightforward descriptor of the condition's primary symptom: the absence of a protective blood clot. The other terms listed, such as gingivitis, canker sore, and periodontitis, refer to different dental and oral health issues, which do not relate to the specific condition of post-extraction alveolar osteitis.