Incidence and pattern of presentation of dry socket following non-surgical tooth extraction

To determine the incidence and pattern of presentation of dry socket as a complication of intra-alveolar dental extraction at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital.

Patients who were referred for intra-alveolar dental extractions under local anaesthesia at the exodontia clinic of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital between July and December 2002 were included in the study. The following data were recorded for each patient: biodata, reason for extraction, number and type of teeth extracted, time taken for the extraction to be done, smoking habit, and use of oral contraceptives. Onset of symptoms and type of teeth involved for those with diagnosis of dry socket were also recorded.

Thirty-one teeth (5.6%) of a total of 554 teeth extracted during the period of the study developed dry socket. The mean age (SD) of the 27 patients who developed dry socket was 32.2 +/- 13.0 years, (m; f ratio of 1: 4.4). Most (44.5%) of the patients who presented with dry socket were in the 3rd decade of life, with more than half (59%) of them presenting on the 3rd day following extraction. Mandibular and maxillary teeth were equally affected. Molars and premolars were exclusively affected. Difficulty of extraction was significantly associated with the development of dry socket (p<.05).

The incidence of dry socket in our centre is similar to previous reports. Female patients were significantly affected. Difficulty of extraction was significantly associated with the development of dry socket. Non-dressing treatment provided satisfactory relief of the symptoms and subsequent granulation of the socket.