Consideration of Risk Factors Allied with Dry Socket: A Clinical Study

ABSTRACT

Dry socket (DS) is frequent complication seen in patients undergoing extraction. The present study was conducted to evaluate the risk factors associated with DS. Methods: This study was conducted in department of dentistry. It consisted of 520 teeth in 840 patients requiring extraction of teeth. General information such as name, age, gender, smoking status and systemic diseases were recorded. Patients were divided into 4 age groups. Patients were divided into medically fit and with systemic disorder. Results: Out of 840 patients, 480 were males and 360 were females. The difference was non- significant (P- 0.1). 50 patients had DS, the prevalence was 6%. The number of patients with DS in <18 years was 8, 18-30 years (20), 31-50 years (15) and >50 years (7). The difference was nonsignificant (P>0.05). 10 patients had DS among 150 patients medically fit and 40 patients had DS among 640 systemic ill patients. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Smokers were 210 out of which 18 had DS. Nonsmokers were 630 out of which 32 had DS. The difference was significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: Dry socket is one of the complications seen following extraction of teeth. Medical condition affects the outcome of the treatment. Smoking is one of the contributory factors leading to DS.