The relationship of glycemic control to the outcomes of dental extractions.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine whether glycemic control influences healing after tooth extractions.


METHODS
We enrolled 115 diabetic patients who required dental extractions in this prospective observer-blinded study. Epithelialization of extraction sites was assessed relative to the patient's history, non-fasting blood glucose levels, and glycosylated hemoglobin levels.


RESULTS
Of 115 patients, 78 had 1- and 2-week follow-up data. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of postextraction epithelialization between diabetic patients based on preoperative blood glucose levels, hemoglobin A1c levels, or patient history. Only the size of the extraction site at days 0 and 7 was predictive of future epithelialization.


CONCLUSIONS
Glycemic control did not influence postextraction healing in diabetic patients. Recommendations for management of the diabetic patient requiring extractions are discussed.
Aronovich
Sharon
S
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Hospital of Saint Raphael, New Haven, CT 06511, USA. ron.aronovich@gmail.com
Skope
Leonard W
LW
Kelly
John P W
JP
Kyriakides
Tassos C
TC
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D017742:Dental Care for Chronically Ill; D048909:Diabetes Complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000097:blood / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D014081:Tooth Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects*; D020390:Tooth Socket / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014945:Wound Healing
D001786:Blood Glucose