Review of factors contributing to dry socket through enhanced fibrinolysis.

Use of oral contraceptives and trauma during extraction are substantiated factors that contribute to dry socket. They appear to act by enhancing fibrinolytic activity in the alveolar bone followed by lysis of the clot. The influence of bacteria and antibiotics on the development and prevention of dry socket remains unclear. No convincing evidence can be found that factors such as age, sex, or nutritional status affect the incidence of dry socket.