Effect of oral contraceptive cycle on dry socket (localized alveolar osteitis).

Use of oral contraceptives was associated with a significant increase in the frequency of dry socket after extraction of mandibular third molars. The probability of dry socket increases with the estrogen dose in the oral contraceptive. The risk of dry socket associated with oral contraceptives can be minimized by performing extractions during days 23 through 28 of the tablet cycle.