Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Many factors contribute to the occurrence of dry socket. For example: low experience level of operator preoperative infection, sex, site of extraction, use of oral contraceptives, smoking, and use of local anesthetics with vasoconstrictor. Hence; the present study was undertaken for assessing risk factors of dry socket after tooth extraction. Materials & methods: A total of 593 patients who underwent dental extractions were enrolled in the present study. Among these 593 patients, dry socket was found to be present in 45 patients. Analysis of patient’s data including personal data, smoking habits, medial history and medications etc. was done. Various risk factors for dry sockets were recorded and were analysed. Results: The overall percentage prevalence of dry socket was 7.59 percent. In the present study, smoking history was found to be positive in 29 patients while it was absent in 16 patients. History of traumatic dental extractions was found to be positive in 34 patients while it was absent in 11 patients. Poor oral hygiene was present in 32 patients. Conclusion: Smoking, poor oral hygiene and traumatic dental extractions are considered predisposing factors in the occurrence of dry socket. Key words: Dry socket, Tooth extraction