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Oral Surgery · single question

Patient smokes 2 packs/day, has poor oral hygiene, takes oral contraceptives. HIGHEST risk factor for post-extraction dry socket?

  1. Patient age
  2. Oral contraceptives
  3. Poor oral hygiene
  4. Smoking
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: D. Smoking

SMOKING is the greatest modifiable risk factor for dry socket — nicotine causes vasoconstriction, impairs healing; suction can dislodge the clot. OCPs also increase risk via fibrinolysis. But smoking is the #1 risk factor.

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