What is your diagnosis for a 24-year-old male experiencing severe pain after a wisdom tooth extraction?

Understand the Problem

The question presents a clinical case involving a 24-year-old male who is experiencing severe pain after a wisdom tooth extraction. It asks for a diagnosis based on the provided symptoms and possible answer options.

More Information

Dry socket (alveolitis) is a common complication post-tooth extraction, especially among smokers. It occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site is dislodged, exposing bone and nerves, leading to severe pain.

Tips

A common mistake is assuming simple infection, but the timing and symptoms suggest alveolitis.

Sources

• Dry socket - Symptoms and causes - mayoclinic.org
• Wisdom Teeth Removal: What Adults Should Expect - webmd.com
• Dry socket - symptoms, treatments and causes - healthdirect.gov.au