The non-healing extraction socket: a diagnostic dilemma - case report and discussion

Area of Science:

• Oral surgery and pathology
• Dental healing processes
• Differential diagnosis in exodontia

Background:

• Delayed healing post-extraction is common, often due to local factors like infection or clot disruption.
• Malignant lesions can mimic delayed healing but are often overlooked due to rarity.

Observation:

• A case report details squamous cell carcinoma presenting as a non-healing extraction socket.
• Discussion includes local and systemic factors impacting socket healing.

Findings:

• Healing failures have diverse causes, influenced by both local and systemic factors.
• Neoplastic lesions, though rare, are critical considerations in persistent non-healing extraction sites.

Implications:

• General Dental Practitioners (GDPs) must be vigilant for diagnostic red flags indicating potentially serious underlying conditions.
• Prompt identification and referral of suspicious lesions are crucial for effective patient outcomes and management.