Oral contraceptives use may increase incidence of dry sockets

Abstract

Data sources

PubMed, the Cochrane Library and Elsevier Science Direct

Study selection

Prospective controlled clinical trials where oral contraceptive use was examined as a risk factor for dry socket were included.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed study quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. The pooled risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval was calculated using fixed-effects or random-effects model analysis.

Results

Twelve articles reporting 16 studies were included in the final meta-analysis. The incidence of dry socket (DS) in females was significantly higher in those using oral contraceptives RR = 1.80, (95% CI; 1.33–2.43. P=0.027) [16 studies]. Subgroup analysis suggested a higher risk in those also taking antibiotics RR= 2.85 (95%CI; 1.18–6.88. P=0.819) [two studies].

Conclusions

The present study indicates that the use of oral contraceptives (OCs) may promote the incidence of DS in females following impacted mandibular third molar extraction. Based on the findings of this study, a cautious attitude to impacted mandibular third molar extraction procedures in females taking OCs should be adopted in clinical practice.

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