EC Microbiology

Background: Dry socket (alveolar osteitis) is a common post-extraction complication characterized by pain and delayed healing. It happens when bone surfaces are exposed to the mouth, which can cause extreme pain and even infection. Microbial colonization is thought to play a role in its pathogenesis. This study investigates the relationship between oral microbial composition and dry socket incidence in tooth extraction patients.

Objective: To isolate and identify microorganisms associated with dry socket lesions.

Methods: Clinical samples were collected from 30 patients presenting with dry socket incidence. Swabs were cultured on aerobic and anaerobic medium, and isolates were identified using standard microbiological techniques.

Results: The predominant isolates included Klebsiella Species and Candida albicans, Streptococcus viridans, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus oralis. Pseudomonas aeruginosa were more frequently associated with severe cases.

Conclusion: Microbial identification in dry socket lesions highlights the importance of targeted antimicrobial therapy in their management.

Keywords: Dry Socket; Alveolar Osteitis; Oral Microbiology; Bacterial Isolation; Postoperative Infection

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