Abstract

Background:Dry socket (DS), also referred to as alveolar or fibrinolytic osteitis, is a major
complication that follows extraction of tooth/teeth in oral surgery. The present study was
conducted to assess the risk factors for Dry socket.
Materials & Methods: 340 patients requiring extraction of mandibular third molars of both
genders were included. Risk factors such as smoking status, indication of exodontia and
systemic diseases etc. were recorded.
Results: Out of 340 patients, males were 210 and females were 130. Out of 210 males, 20
developed DS and out of 130 females, 24 had DS. The difference was significant (P< 0.05).
Diabetes was seen in 32, smoking in 14, pericoronitis in 22 and systemic disease in 35. The
difference was significant (P< 0.05).
Conclusion: Risk factors for dry socket were systemic disease, diabetes and smoking.