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Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic staffFactors that can increase your risk of developing dry socket include:
- Smoking and tobacco use. Chemicals in cigarettes or other forms of tobacco may contaminate the wound site. The act of sucking on a cigarette may physically dislodge the blood clot prematurely.
- Taking oral contraceptives. High levels of estrogen can greatly increase the risk of dry socket by dissolving the blood clot.
- Not following post-extraction guidelines. If after oral surgery you don't follow instructions, such as avoiding certain foods or caring for your wound properly, your risk of dry socket increases.
- Having dry socket in the past. Having dry socket once means you're more likely to develop it again.
- Tooth or gum infection. Current or previous infections around the tooth to be extracted increase the risk of dry socket.
- Less experience. Although dry socket can occur with even the most experienced dentists and oral surgeons, having a less experienced dentist or oral surgeon may increase your risk.
References
- Adeyemo WL, et al. Clinical evaluation of post-extraction wound site healing. Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice. 2006;7(3):40-49.
- Roberts JR, et al. Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2004.
- Neville BW, et al. Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology. 3rd ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Saunders Elsevier; 2009:150-153.
- Hita-Iglesias P, et al. Effectiveness of chlorhexidine gel versus chlorhexidine rinse in reducing alveolar osteitis in mandibular third molar surgery. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 2008;66:441-445.
- Noroozi A, et al. Modern concepts in understanding and management of the "drysocket" syndrome: Comprehensive review of the literature. Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology & Endodontics. In press. Accessed Sept. 9, 2008.
