The prevalence and risk factors of dry socket in dental surgery clients following tooth extraction at Qazvin Faculty of Dentistry

Background: Dry socket is one of the complications occurs following tooth extraction. The prevalence of such condition is reported to be highly different ranging from 0.5-68.4%. The etiology and pathogenesis are not clearly known but many related predisposing factors have been discussed. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of dry socket after tooth extraction. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out at the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery in Qazvin university of medical sciences (Jan 2002 to Jan 2003). Out of 1402 patients, those having their teeth extracted and returned with dry socket were chosen. Characteristics such as, age, sex, site of extraction , extracted tooth, trauma during extraction , periapical lesion, oral hygiene, smoking, systemic diseases, and OCP in women (oral contraceptive pill) were determined. Findings: Over the one-year period of study, 1402 teeth were extracted and in the meantime, 12 patients returned with dry socket. Our results showed that the incidence of dry socket was 0.85% and the ratio of females to males was 2.5 to 1. Dry socket in mandible was two times higher than maxillae (1.12% versus 0.57%). Mandibular third molars were more often involved than other areas. Periapical lesion, trauma, poor oral hygiene and OCP increased the incidence of dry socket. Conclusion: Prevalence of dry socket after tooth extraction in Qazvin oral and maxillofacial surgery clinic was not higher than other centers. Seemingly, application of atraumatic techniques, aseptic procedures, ability of surgeon, oral hygiene and so on can lead to a lower prevalence of dry socket.