Analysis of incidence and risk factors associated with formation of dry socket: A clinical study

Abstract

Background: The present study was conducted for analyzing incidence and risk factors associated with formation of dry socket. Materials and methods: A total of 50 patients were analyzed who underwent dental extraction procedures. All the procedures were carried out under local anaesthesia. Adequate medical history was obtained of all the patients prior to the surgery. Postoperative follow-up was done and incidence of dry socket was evaluated. Proper history was obtained among these patients and risk factors of dry socket were assessed. Results: The incidence of dry socket was 6 percent. Positive tobacco smoking history was seen in 4 percent of the patients. Females with history of use of oral contraceptives were seen as risk factor in 2 percent of the patients. Traumatic extraction and gingival infection of associated region were seen as risk factors in 4 percent and 6 percent of the patients respectively. Conclusion: Smoking habit, persisting gingival pathology and traumatic extractions were the factors associated with formation of dry socket.