ABSTRACT
This study was conducted to determine the predisposing factors for the development of dry socket among the patients of Peshawar Dental Collage Hospital, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa - Pakistan. Two thousand five hundred and twenty six mandibular and maxillary extractions were done over a period of one year. The data were recorded on two separate proformas and were entered in SPSS version 15 [WHO]. Analysis was done to determine the frequency and percentages for all variables. Total of 1.20% patients developed signs and symptoms of dry socket after 3-4 days. Male to female patient ratio was 1:1.5. Peak incidence occurred during 36-45 years age. Majority of patients were healthy at the time of extraction. Diabetic patients, smokers and female taking contraceptive pills frequently reported with dry socket. More dry socket was seen in Posterior mandibular extractions. Intra-ligamental anesthesia and surgical extractions with flap elevations resulted in dry socket. Majority of patients who didn't follow post extraction instructions presented more with dry sockets. It was concluded that formation of dry socket can be prevented by taking proper history of the patient, prescribing antibiotics for infections and avoiding excessive use of local anesthetic with adrenaline. Atraumatic surgical extraction will reduce the chances for the development of dry socket. Proper post extraction instructions and scheduled follow ups will further reduce the chances for dry socket