Microbial Analysis in Dry Socket

Dry socket is known as the most common and painful complication in the healing of extraction wounds. It is a focal osteomyelitis. And in this the blood clot has been disintegrated or lost in the socket. It produces foul odour, throbbing type of pain and subsequent infection of the exposed bone. There is no suppuration. The reported occurrence of dry socket’s frequency is 1% to 3.2% of all extraction. It was first described by CRAWFORD in 1876. It is one of the common complicationsin Paget’s disease& those who are undergoing radiotherapy and patients who are taking oral contraceptives as the estrogen component increases fibrinolytic activity. It is commonly observed in 40-45 yr patient. Mandible is affected more commonly than maxilla. Dry socket starts by the 2^nd& 3^rd post operative day till 7-10 day and is having throbbing type pain. Dry socket is a result of physiological,mechanical, chemical and factors. Mainly it is caused by certain bacteria. Certain previously present bacteria in the oral cavity can cause the break down of the blood clot in the dry socket.