Localized Bacteremia in Alveolar Sockets after Tooth Extraction in Type II Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Patients - A Prospective Study

Abstract

Background: Tooth extractions can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream, leading to transient bacteremia. Diabetic individuals are more susceptible due to impaired immunity, delayed healing, and reduced infection clearance. While systemic bacteremia is well-studied, localized bacteremia from the alveolar socket remains underexplored. This study compares post-extraction bacteremia in diabetic and non-diabetic patients to improve infection risk assessment and preventive care. Objectives: 1. Compare alveolar socket bacteremia in diabetic and non-diabetic patients. 2. Assess bacteremia prevalence and severity in both groups. 3. Evaluate the impact of diabetes on post-extraction bacteremia. 4. Identify predominant bacterial species and their clinical relevance. 5. Examine associations between bacteremia, glycemic control, healing response, and infection risk. Materials and Methods: Sixty patients (30 diabetics, 30 non-diabetics) aged 30–70 from low-to-medium socioeconomic backgrounds were studied. Males predominated among diabetics, females among non-diabetics. Post-extraction socket blood was collected, cultured on blood agar, and incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. Bacterial identification was performed using microscopic examination and confirmatory assays. Results: Statistical analysis (p ≤ 0.05) showed diabetics had higher Streptococcus (56.6%), Enterococcus (26.6%), Klebsiella (3.3%), and Candida (3.3%), while non-diabetics had Enterococcus (40%), Streptococcus (30%), Moraxella (16.6%), and Escherichia coli (3.3%). Staphylococcus and Pneumococcus were exclusive to diabetics. Conclusion: Localized bacteremia may indicate systemic health risks. Further research is needed to establish clinical correlations, refine treatment protocols, and improve early intervention strategies.