HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

In dental terminology, which term is used for a dry socket?

1. Alveolitis

2. Alveoplasty

3. Alveolus

4. Aseptic bone

The correct answer is: Alveolitis

The term "alveolitis" is used to describe a dry socket, which is a painful condition that can occur after a tooth extraction. When a tooth is removed, a blood clot typically forms in the socket to protect the bone and nerves underneath. If this blood clot fails to form or is dislodged, the bone and nerves can be exposed to air, food, and fluids, leading to inflammation and severe pain. This condition falls under the category of alveolitis, specifically referred to as dry socket or alveolar osteitis. In contrast, alveoplasty refers to a surgical procedure aimed at reshaping or smoothing the alveolar bone, usually performed to prepare for dentures or other dental prosthetics. Alveolus is the anatomical term for the bony socket in which a tooth resides, but it does not relate to the condition characterized by pain and inflammation after an extraction. Aseptic bone refers to bone that is free from infection, which is not directly relevant to the inflammatory condition resulting from a dry socket. Thus, alveolitis is the appropriate term in this context.