Contrary to what most dentists were taught, the use of straws after third molar extractions did not affect the percentage of patients developing dry socket or alveolar osteitis, a very painful condition. 15% of both the test and control groups having mandibular (lower) wisdom teeth out had this complication. No maxillary (upper) sites were affected in either group.
Source: Sevels I, Clinical Abstracts, Ontario Dentist, March 2013, Vol 90, No 2, pg 20-21.
Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100