Complications Following Dental Extractions in a Mobile Dental Clinic

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the incidence of possible intraoperative and post-operative complications following dental extractions in mobile dental treatment systems. Study design: Medical files of 51 individuals treated in a mobile dental clinic (study group) and 60 individuals treated in a conventional dental clinic (control group) between the years 2008-2011 were evaluated retrospectively. Demographic and clinical data, intraoperative and postoperative complications and their management were considered. Patients over 60 years who underwent dental extractions were evaluated for immediate complications and postoperative complications. Results: 111 patients met the inclusion criteria, 54 males and 57 females. The mean age was 77 in the study group and 69 in the control group. The patients underwent 162 dental extractions. Most of the patients had neurologic and cognitive diseases like dementia, Parkinson, s/p brain stroke as well as hypertension and diabetes. Indications for extractions included hopeless teeth, periodontitis and dental caries, there was no need for bone removal or flap elevation. The rate of minor complications was found in 10% of the patients intraoperatively and postoperatively. All the complications were solved on the spot by the dental staff. None of the patients had life threatening complications or other conditions requiring hospital based treatments. Conclusion: In carefully selected cases such as controlled high blood pressure, controlled neurologic disorders and controlled diabetes, dental extractions can be performed in a mobile dental clinic with minimal minor complications.