Case report: late complication of a dry socket treatment

Abstract

Dry socket is often treated in dentistry with intra-alveolar dressings; the use of them remains controversial and has been related to some side effects such as neuritis, foreign body reactions, and myospherulosis. We present a case of an intra-alveolar dressing (zinc-oxide eugenol paste) that mimicked a trigeminal neuralgia for 3 years and caused a right maxillary chronic osteomyelitis and foreign body reaction in a zone corresponding to the alveolus of the maxillary first molar. This long-term complication was successfully managed by complete removal of the foreign body and curettage of the affected area.

Figure 1

Panoramic X-ray. Notice the presence of a right maxillary radiopacity and the absence of teeth 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, all with adequate bone healing except the 3 area.

Figure 2

(a) Maxillary occlusal X-ray. (b) Periapical X-ray. Notice the closure of the foreign body to the right maxillary sinus, and also a nonhealed 3 alveolus.

Figure 3

(a) Intraoral supracrestal approach, through which foreign body was removed and incision was sutured with silk 3-0. (b) Macroscopical view of the foreign body removed, which all together measured 0.7 × 0.5 × 0.2 cms.

Figure 4

Panoramic X-ray shows a complete postoperative view without the foreign body.

Figure 5

(a) Postoperative maxillary oclusal X-ray. (b) Postoperative periapical X-ray. Notice the complete removal of the right maxillary foreign body.