COVID-19 Influence on Mandibular Dry Socket Occurrence.

Background: Alveolar osteitis (AO), commonly known as dry socket, is a recognized complication following tooth extraction, particularly prevalent after mandibular third molar extractions. Given the global pandemic of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and its implications for endothelial and hematologic changes, investigating its potential impact on dry socket risk in patients undergoing mandibular third molar extraction is crucial. Methods: We reviewed patient records from individuals undergoing mandibular third molar extraction at Mashhad Dental School, Mashhad, Iran in 2022. Data included demographics, medical history, smoking status, and COVID-19 details such as history, hospitalization, and vaccination status. Results: Clinical examinations diagnosed alveolar osteitis, assessing for blood clot presence and local lymphadenitis. Out of 119 patients (82 females, 37 males), 49.6% developed dry socket post-extraction, with 94.1% having a history of COVID-19 and 32.7% requiring hospitalization due to the disease. 97.5% of patients were vaccinated against COVID-19. Additionally, 44.5% had systemic disease history, and 45.4% used related medications, with no observed associations with dry socket. Conclusion: This study underscores the increased risk of dry socket following mandibular third molar extraction associated with corticosteroid use, oral contraceptive use, smoking, and COVID-19 hospitalization. Females exhibited a significantly higher risk compared to males. While no significant COVID-19 infection-dry socket link was found, the study highlights the need for further research, given the significant number of dry socket cases among COVID-19 patients and those hospitalized due to COVID-19.