- byVIP Dental Clinic
- May 16, 2022
- Tooth Extractions
An emergency tooth extraction of a diabetic patient requires a systematic strategy of patient care that ensures safety. It is necessary to determine the level of blood glucose before tooth removal.
In this article, we discuss the important factors in tooth extraction for diabetic patients.
So, before deciding on tooth extraction, the following factors are considered if the patient is diabetic.
Blood glucose levels
Infection raises blood sugar levels, putting the body under stress to eliminate the infectious cells. Glucagon and cortisol are released under stress, which causes your liver to release more glucose into the bloodstream. As a result, the blood sugar levels rise.
Dehydration is prevalent in diabetics, and it causes a drop in saliva production which normally helps fight candidiasis in the mouth. The decrease in saliva disturbs the mouth’s pH balance and raises the risk of candidiasis. Infections in these persons can be more severe, necessitating medical care for consequences and even hospitalization if the infection spreads.
Relationship between infection and hyperglycaemia
People with diabetes are seen to experience far more significant difficulties than non-immunocompromised individuals. Also, with root canal treatment, they have a higher risk of dental cavities, different fungal and bacterial infections, and overall tooth loss due to a shorter tooth lifespan.
These individuals are seen to have a lot of periodontal diseases. In addition, there is an increase in osteonecrosis of the jaw in diabetic patients who are elderly.
The injection of PRGF, or plasma-rich growth factor, to extraction sites in diabetes patients speeds up the healing process by promoting socket closure and tissue growth.
Bone loss and tooth mobility
The complex and soft tissues that connect the tooth to the jaw deteriorate due to decreased blood flow caused by increased glucose levels. In periodontal issues, inadequate blood circulation produces stasis due to the lack of oxygen. As a result, the teeth will weaken and fall out.
Extraction of tooth when the patient is diabetic
Whenever an extraction is necessary, the doctor always requests a report on the patient’s blood sugar level. If your blood sugar level is elevated, the wound may take longer to heal. If blood sugar is not regulated, there is a danger that cytokines, a potentially damaging protein, will accumulate in the gingival tissue, inhibiting the growth proteins necessary to cure the wound. Additionally, high blood sugar impairs blood coagulation, making dental procedures more difficult to heal.
You must take the right medicine before extraction to get your blood sugar to an optimal level. Following the extraction, it is critical to maintain a healthy blood glucose level to allow for recovery. If blood glucose levels are controlled in diabetic people, gingival tissues will respond appropriately following tooth extraction.
Oral hygiene is vital while planning and performing tooth extractions, as the mouth must be prepped for tooth extraction. In addition, the healing process should begin soon following the extraction to avoid infection.
Individuals with diabetes must exercise caution, as extractions expose the gum to infection. This infection can result in hyperglycaemia and the mobilization of fatty acids, resulting in acidosis. In addition, these diseases make it extremely difficult to maintain a healthy blood sugar level.
The primary danger to diabetic patients with elevated glucose levels after tooth extraction does not occur during the extraction itself. Instead, the concern is how the mending will occur. Healing may be slowed, the socket may become dry, and there is a risk of osteomyelitis. And if the diabetes is combined with hypertension, the outcome is far worse. In addition, complications can occur following the extraction.
The patient on oral pills for diabetes control will need to be followed for two weeks while on extended drugs such as antibiotics, analgesics, and so on. Assessment will need to be repeated to ensure he maintains an optimal blood glucose level.
If a tooth becomes decaying and infected, quick extraction is essential; however, in this case, the presence of a physician is required during the procedure.
After two weeks of medication, diabetic patients who know their blood glucose level and take sufficient care to keep things under control can safely undergo tooth extraction. Then it may be just like any other person who does not have diabetes.
Delayed socket healing after tooth extraction
Insufficient insulin slows the healing process, giving fungus and germs more time to lurk within the socket where it’s warm and moist. In addition, these people have a weakened immune system. Increased insulin levels reduce nitric oxide, which narrows blood vessels directly.
Diabetic individuals are seen to have clogged blood vessels and lengthy healing times. In addition, the blood becomes acidic during ketoacidosis, which is typical in these patients and is not favourable to healing or battling intruders.
Principles of treatment for patients with diabetes
If a patient states they have diabetes orally or on paper, the safest approach is to treat them as immunocompromised. Treatment with antibiotics should begin well before any surgeries, and hypoglycaemia must be avoided if possible. Ascertain that your patient is at ease enough with you to express their feelings and request what they require.
Management of dental extraction under local anaesthesia
Local anaesthetic and early morning consultations may reduce an individual’s stress levels, lowering the chance of a higher blood sugar range, even if just a little. Before any procedure, a patient can carry in their glucose meter, and the readings can be noted for safety.
The blood glucose level at which tooth extraction is safe is 180 mg/dl. Any higher puts the hygienists and practitioners at risk and may necessitate emergency procedures. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Conclusion
The healing period is directly related to tooth extraction and diabetes. High blood sugar levels (PP greater than 200 mg/dl) must be optimally taken in controlled before extraction can begin. Various factors such as tooth movement, infection, and emergency extraction due to trauma also influence extraction in such patients.
Consult a good dental clinic if you are a diabetic and you suffer from toothache. Proper care is necessary to ensure good prognosis.
16 Responses
Very good
Can I have tooth extraction after taking medicine since my sugar is 220
Yes,but you would have to wait until the medication takes action. Hope this helps!
Excellent article. I have been looking for this information for a long time. Now I know the maximum blood sugar level at which a patient can undergo dental extractions, dental surgery and services by the dental hygienist.
Hi, is the 180mg/dL blood sugar indicated for Hba1c or ordinary Fasting overnight?
ThanksNo.
Fasting
À1C must be below 9 is what my dentist told me
I am diabetic but I have a good immune system and heal quickly.
So the information shared is not entirely validI’m diabetic during hospital blood level very high reading sugar levels high. Weeks later my enamel began to crack off teeth, also, tooth broke at the gum leaving root in gum . Is diabetes able to damaged
Do you mean “can diabetes damage teeth” because if so yes diabetes can damage teeth if you don’t prioritize brushing and cleaning your teeth. hopes this helps
Yes, similar happened to me
Interesting read but no information on what food a diabetic would be able to eat after the procedure. Fasting raises the possibility of a sugar crash
I’m having 8 teeth pulled and bone graft, implants all at same time. What do u recommend as far as eating after also take insulin
my dentist didn’t ask. my sugars were 580 and he just pulled 3 of them. it’s been a week and still hurts.
If I’ve had hypoglycemia due to fasting for blood work. Can I get it during wisdom teeth extractions? Or how can I avoid it?