Risk factors assessment for dry sockets: A logistic regression analysis study

AimTo investigate the effect of age, gender, address, type of extraction, type of operator and the arch of the tooth involved in the occurrence of dry sockets. A secondary aim of the study was to calculate the incidence of dry sockets in Islamabad, Pakistan.Materials and methodsThis study was conducted in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department at Islamic International Dental Hospital from April till May 2013. Data were collected for any complaints of dry socket following tooth extractions, by means of a structured questionnaire. All patients above 18 years of age were included. Mean and standard deviation were calculated for age. Frequencies were calculated for gender, address, operator type, arch and the outcome (occurrence of dry socket). A binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to establish a risk model to relate the variables with the occurrence of dry socket. Pearson's Chi-square test was applied to assess the frequency of occurrence with age.ResultsOut of 1670 patients, 1563 adults fulfilled the inclusion criteria. 80 patients reported with dry socket, the incidence being 5.12%. Logistic regression analysis showed a statistically significant association between age and the development of dry socket (OR = 0.953, 95% CI = 0.926–0.961). None of the other factors had a significant association with the occurrence of dry sockets.ConclusionA significant association exists between patient's age and development of dry socket. An inverse relationship was noted between the increase in age and occurrence of dry socket. No such association is noted between patient gender, address of the patient, location of the tooth, operator and extraction type.