Background: Dry socket, also termed fibrinolytic osteitis or alveolar osteitis, is a complication of tooth exodontia. The present study was undertaken for assessing the incidence and risk factors of dry socket. Materials & methods: A total of 500 patients were analysed. Only those patients were included in the analysis which underwent dental extraction during the study period under local anaesthesia. Complete hemodynamic and glycaemic profile of all the patients was recorded. Local anaesthesia was given and dental extraction was procedure was carried out. Follow-up instructions were given to all the patients and all of them were recalled after 48-72 hours for check-up. Incidence and risk factors for dry socket was recorded. Results: A total of 500 patients were analysed. Overall, incidence of dry socket was 5.6 percent (28 patients). Mean age of the patients with dry socket was 55.8 years. Among these 28 patients, 15 were males while the remaining 13 were females. Mandibular third molar was involved in 11 cases. Positive smoking habit was present in 13 patients. Conclusion: Smoking; traumatic extractions and use of oral contraceptives are significant risk factors for occurrence of dry socket. Key words: Dry socket, Extraction