Background: Extraction of teeth is indicated in case of non restorable teeth. The most common complication of extraction is dry socket which in turns depends upon various factors. The present study was conducted to assess the risk factors associated with dry socket. Materials & Methods: This study was conducted on 320 patients requiring extraction of teeth. Smoking status, systemic diseases were recorded and risk factors of dry sockets were recorded. Results: Out of 320 patients, males were 180 and females were 140. Out of 320 patients, 25 (7.8%) had dry socket. Risk factors were diabetes mellitus in 8, hypertension in 9 and smoking in 12 patients. Conclusion: Dry socket is one of the complications observed following mandibular third molar extraction. Other risk factors such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension and smoking were risk factors of dry socket. Key words: Dry socket, Smoking, Diabetes mellitus