Which best describes alveolar osteitis?

Alveolar osteitis, commonly known as "dry socket," is characterized by pain and the presence of a neglected blood clot in the extraction site following a tooth extraction. One of the hallmark signs of this condition is a fetid odor emanating from the socket, which is caused by the decomposition of the exposed bone and tissues when they become necrotic or infected. This odor can be quite repulsive and is a key indicator that clinicians look for during an evaluation of a patient who has undergone a tooth extraction.

While severe swelling and acute pain can be associated with the condition, they are not as definitive as the presence of a fetid odor in diagnosing alveolar osteitis. In fact, it is the combination of pain, odor, and other factors that lead to the diagnosis. Improved healing is contrary to what occurs in alveolar osteitis as this condition typically results in delayed or problematic healing due to the lack of a protective blood clot. Thus, the fetid odor serves as a reliable and distinguishing symptom of alveolar osteitis.