Background: One of the most frequently observed complications following extraction is dry socket. Incidence of which depends on several factors the one being oral contraceptives use. In the present study we compare the incidence of dry socket in women taking oral contraceptives with those who are not under oral contraceptives.

Material and Methods: This prospective clinical study was conducted in Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Nanded Rural Dental College & Research Center. 987 mandibular third molar surgical extractions were done under local anesthesia after obtaining informed consent. The sockets were irrigated with copious saline and betadine. Post-operative analgesics and chlorhexidine mouth wash was given. The cases were followed up for the presence of dry socket.

Results: Out of 987 lower third molar surgical extraction cases which were performed, 61 cases reported to us with dry socket, out of which 43 cases were females (p value <.05). 31 females who developed dry socket were on Oral contraceptives and the rest 12 females who developed dry socket were not under any oral contraceptive medications. The ratio between the two being 4.09:1.

Conclusion: Oral contraceptives play a role in the incidence of dry socket due to the presence of estrogen and its fibrinolytic activity.