General anesthesia increases the risk of bacteremia following dental extractions

Objective. The influence of oral health status, the number of teeth extracted, and the anesthetic modality used is currently a matter of debate in the prevalence of bacteremia following dental extractions (BDE). The aim of the present study was to analyze the factors affecting the prevalence, duration, and etiology of BDE. Study design. Blood samples were collected from 210 patients at baseline, 30 seconds, 15 minutes, and 1 hour after performing dental extractions. Samples were processed in the Bactec 9240 and the subculture and further identification of the isolates were performed using conventional microbiological techniques. Results. The prevalence of BDE at 30 seconds, 15 minutes, and 1 hour were 71%, 45%, and 12%, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, the anesthetic modality (local anesthesia versus general anesthesia) was the only variable related to BDE. Conclusion. General anesthesia represents a risk factor for BDE, increasing its prevalence and duration. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2010;110:706-712)