determining the relative frequency of dry socket after mandibular third molar extraction

abstract dry socket is undoubtedly on tne most distressing post operative sequel of teeth extraction. it occurs in spite of the most careful aseptic procedures and regardless of the ability and skills of the surgeon. the purpose of this study was to determin the relative frequency of dry socket after mandibular wisdom teeth extraction and defining the risk factors corresponding to this complication. this descriptive-analytic study was performed on 386 patients who were candidate for wisdom teeth extraction. a medical history was taken. some of these patients were found to have a history of smoking and were taking birth control pill. operation time and trauma during extraction, and the oral hygiene status of patients were recorded. three days after extraction the patients were recalled and examined for dry socket. the findings revealed the relative frequency of the dry socket was 7.5% (29 patient). its occurrence was more in females than males, and maximum incidence was in the age between 20-40. the incidence were related to trauma and duration of extraction, history of smoking and oral contraceptive pills and pericoronitis, and had no specific relation with periapical lesions and oral hygiene. in this study, similar to other studies, specific relation was found between dry socket and other factors like, smoking and age. but something which was obvious was the close relation of dry socket with the intensity of trauma during extraction. key words. dry socket, tooth extraction, third molar. address. dr. abbass haghighat (assistanat professor), department of oral and maxillofacial surgery, school of dentistry, isfahan university of medical sciences, isfahan, iran. e-mail: [email protected] journal of isfahan dental school 2005; 1(2): 73-75