Clinical findings after the surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars

II. Dry socket

Abstract

A prospective study was undertaken to evaluate dry socket (alveolar osteitis) in 1146 patients who surgically underwent extraction of impacted third molars. Dry socket occurred at a total rate of 5.4%; 27 cases occurred in males and 35 in females. There were no sexual differences. The prevalence of dry socket was highest: patients 40 years of age or over, followed by those from 30 to less than 40, 20 to less than 30, and under 20 years old.