FACTORS INFLUENCING THE INCIDENCE OF BACTEREMIAS FOLLOWING SURGICAL PROCEDURES IN THE ORAL CAVITY

¹ Tufts College Dental School, Boston, Mass.

The incidence of transient bacteremia following dental extractions and periodontal scalings was studied in 221 cases. The results obtained justify certain conclusions.

1. The incidence of dental bacteremias was considerably less than that previously reported by other investigators. The over-all incidence of 10 per cent differed significantly from the 40 per cent incidence obtained by combining the results previously reported. One positive blood culture was found among 56 single extractions, and 16 positives among 92 cases of multiple extractions.

2. Bacteremias, when they occurred, were of very short duration. In the majority of cases, bacteria were detected only within the first minute following completion of the operation.

3. The age of the patient, the amount of operative trauma, and the number of teeth involved in the operation exerted definite influence on the incidence of bacteremia. Bacteremias occurred more frequently in patients below the age of 30 and above the age of 60 than they did in patients aged 30 to 59. The incidence was greater when moderate or extensive trauma accompanied the operation than when only slight trauma was involved. Significantly greater numbers of bacteremia occurred following extraction of two or more teeth than following extraction of single teeth.

4. Variations in tooth mobility and vitality and the presence of periodontal disease or apical infection did not appear to influence the incidence of bacteremia.

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