Technique for the prevention of alveolar osteitis

摘要

A moldable, absorbable dressing and method for the prevention of alveolar osteitis following the extraction of a tooth or removal of a cyst. The dressing is primarily plaster of Paris with approximately 5 wt. % of tetracycline and 0.01 wt. % of hydrocortisone added to reduce inflammation at the wound site. The plaster of Paris may include 0.85 wt. % K.sub.2 SO.sub.4 to facilitate solidification in the body. The method includes mixing the plaster of Paris with water to form a semi-liquid paste of plaster of Paris. A plug of absorbable, gelatin sponge is then cut out slightly larger than the cavity left by the tooth extraction or cyst removal. The sponge is immersed into the semi-liquid plaster to absorb as much of the plaster as possible. The impregnated sponge is then compressed slightly and placed in the cavity. The gelatin sponge is somewhat resilient which aids in filling the socket as it expands. A small amount of plaster is added to the exposed upper surface of the sponge to seal its surface. The tissue above the plaster impregnated sponge are then sutured together to enclose it completely, thus preventing any food or debris from entering the wound site. As the cavity heals, the dressing is absorbed and permits regeneration of bone in the socket.