 Alveolar osteitis, AO, is a rare but serious complication of tooth extractions caused by delayed healing of the bone. It is characterized by inflammation and destruction of the jawbone, resulting in pain, swelling and difficulty chewing. The exact cause of this condition remains unclear, but it is thought to be due to a combination of factors including trauma, poor oral hygiene and smoking. These factors may trigger a cascade of events leading to the release of proteins called cytokines, which are responsible for inflammatory responses. In addition, these cytokines can also activate genes involved in bone remodeling, leading to further damage. Molecular markers such as tumor necrosis factor alpha, TNF alpha, runt-related transcription factor 2, RUNX2, and osteocalcin, OC, have been identified as potential biomarkers for diagnosing AO. Assessments of these biomarkers could provide valuable information about the progression of the disease and help identify patients at risk for developing AO. This article was authored by Talia Zahid and Sarah Gaffer. We are article.tv, links in the description below.