FREQUENCY OF DRY SOCKET IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING DENTAL EXTRACTION AT TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Background: Dry socket, or alveolar osteitis, is a common yet painful postoperative complication following dental extractions, particularly in mandibular molars. It results from the premature disintegration or loss of the blood clot, exposing the underlying bone and delaying healing. Despite advancements in surgical techniques and patient care, its incidence varies widely due to procedural and patient-related factors. Identifying associated factors is crucial to guiding preventive strategies and reducing patient morbidity in routine dental practice. Objective: To assess the frequency of dry socket and evaluate associated clinical and behavioral factors in patients undergoing dental extractions at a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted at the Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, from 28 November 2024 to 28 February 2025. A total of 175 patients aged 18–65 years undergoing mandibular or maxillary extractions and presenting with swelling (VAS > 2), pain (VAS > 3), or gingival bleeding were enrolled through consecutive non-probability sampling. Exclusion criteria included pregnancy, lactation, diabetes, hypertension, and craniofacial anomalies. Extractions were performed under local anesthesia. Dry socket was assessed on the third postoperative day based on VAS score > 4, absence of clot, necrotic debris, and reported bad taste. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26; associations were tested using the Chi-square test with p < 0.05 as significant. Results: The mean age of patients was 40.75 ± 13.64 years, with 100 (57.1%) males and 33 (18.9%) smokers. Dry socket was identified in 10 patients (5.7%). Statistically significant associations were found with smoking (p = 0.001), postoperative swelling (p < 0.0001), and trismus (p < 0.0001). No significant associations were observed with age, gender, residence, or tooth type. Conclusion: Dry socket remains a notable complication of dental extractions. The findings emphasize the importance of addressing modifiable risk factors, particularly smoking, along with vigilant postoperative care to mitigate the risk of its development.