ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To prospectively evaluate and compare the effectiveness of Neocone, Alvogyl and Zinc Oxide Eugenol (ZOE) intra alveolar dressings for the management of dry socket and to study the epidemiological factors associated with the condition. STUDY DESIGN: All the patients who underwent extraction of teeth and who fulfilled our inclusion and exclusion criteria from 1st January 2012 to February 28th 2013 were included in our study. Patients who were diagnosed to suffer from dry socket were randomly allocated to three groups namely Group A (Alvogyl), Group B (ZOE), Group C (Neocone). Pain relief and healing of the socket were compared between these groups. The collected data were subjected to statistical analysis by Chi Square test, Z test of proportionality. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Alvogyl is superior to the other two medications for providing initial pain relief. Neocone provides complete pain relief and the healing was fastest with Neocone. Neocone emerged as the most suitable dressing material for the management of dry socket by virtue of shorter time required for complete pain relief, fewer visits and faster clinical healing.
