Introduction: Dry socket is one of the common complications following tooth extraction. Studies conducted in other population demonstrated its prevalence to be ranging from 2.8 to 4.2 % . Various factors including gender, age, and operator's experience and method of extraction have been associated with its causation. Therefore, this study aims to assess the prevalence of Dry Socket in out-patients of a teaching institute and find its pertinent association with different factors. Materials & Methods: A total of 1246 patients attended department of oral surgery for extraction under local anaesthesia. 41 patients were diagnosed with dry socket and included in this study according to the purposive sampling. Information regarding age, gender, numbers of the tooth extracted, systemic medical problems, whether post-operative were followed or not, level of the operators, the technique of the extractions and the oral hygiene were recorded and analysed. Results: The total numbers of extractions during the above mentioned period of this study were 1246 patients. Out of these 41 cases were diagnosed as Dry Socket. The overall prevalence of dry socket was 3.3%.There was no statistically significant association of dry socket and age of patients, oral hygiene and presence of systemic disease. The prevalence of dry socket among female was 66% and in male 34% (p=>0.05).The prevalence of dry socket following non-surgical extractions was 83% while the prevalence following surgical extractions was 17% (p=0.001), inverse trend was observed between Dry Socket and the level of experience (p=0.01).
Conclusion: The prevalence of dry socket was statistically associated with ľ Gender ľ Techniques / procedures employed ľ Level of experience The Dry socket commonly involve Molar group of teeth in mandible.