What is a common complication of tooth extraction site closures?

• A. Dehiscence
• B. Nerve injury
• C. Gingival hyperplasia
• D. Dry socket

Answer: (A)

Wound dehiscence occurs when the edges of a surgically closed extraction site pull apart after suturing. This breakdown of the closure allows a gap to form, delaying healing and increasing the risk of infection. It happens when there’s excessive tension on the sutures, poor blood supply, infection, smoking, or other factors that impair healing. Clinically you’d see gaping along the incision line, possible exposure of underlying bone, and slower recovery. Management involves reapproximating the tissue with proper suturing, ensuring cleanliness, and addressing contributing factors to support healing. Nerve injury would present with altered sensation and isn’t a direct result of closure, gingival hyperplasia is an overgrowth of gum tissue not tied to closure failure, and dry socket involves loss of the blood clot inside the socket rather than separation of the wound edges.