Comparative Study to Determine the efficacy of Zinc Oxide Eugenol and Alveogyl in Treatment of Dry Socket.

Background Dry socket is one of the most common complications following permanent tooth extraction, especially mandibular third molar. Management remains controversial and different authors have shown different results with the use of zinc oxide eugenol and AlveogylTM, some preferring AlveogylTM over zinc oxide eugenol. Objective To determine the incidence, possible risk factors and compare the effectiveness of two most commonly used agents (Zinc oxide eugenol and AlveogylTM) for management of dry socket. Method Dry socket patients were randomly divided into two groups. Various risk factors were recorded through proper history. After thorough irrigation with normal saline, zinc oxide eugenol paste mixed with cotton pellet was placed in one group whereas AlveogylTM was placed in another group. Intensity of pain was recorded on visual analogue scale of Zero to ten. Pain score was recorded at the time of diagnosis, thirty and sixty minutes after placement of medication and on second, fifth, seventh and tenth day. The medication was changed every day until the pain subsided. The data were collected and analyzed using SPPS software (version 20). Result Incidence of dry socket was 4.70%, more common in males (59.09%). It was more common after extraction mandibular third molar. Initial and final pain relief on visual analogue scale was better with use of zinc oxide eugenol. Conclusion Zinc oxide Eugenol paste is more effective in management of dry socket for early as well as final pain relief compared to AlveogylTM.