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Bacteraemia following periodontal procedures.
Denis F Kinane1, Marcello P Riggio, Katie F Walker
1University of Louisville School of Dentistry, Louisville, KY 40292, USA. dfkina01@louisville.edu
Journal of Clinical Periodontology
|June 22, 2005
Summary
Dental procedures like scaling and probing can cause transient bacteremias, which are bloodstream bacterial infections. This study found lower incidences of these bacteria than previously reported, suggesting a reduced risk for conditions like infective endocarditis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Periodontology
- Cardiovascular Health
Background:
- Transient bacteremias frequently occur after dental procedures, posing a risk for infective endocarditis in susceptible individuals.
- Periodontal disease is increasingly recognized as a risk factor for systemic diseases, potentially linked to bacteria entering the bloodstream.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the incidence of bacteremia following specific periodontal procedures.
- To compare bacterial levels detected by conventional culture and PCR methods.
Main Methods:
- A 2-week study involving 30 volunteers with untreated periodontal disease.
- Blood samples were collected at baseline, after probing, after toothbrushing, and after ultrasonic scaling.
- Bacteremia was analyzed using conventional microbiological culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Main Results:
- Culture methods detected bacteremia in 13% after scaling, 20% after probing, and 3% after toothbrushing.
- PCR analysis showed bacteremia in 23% after scaling, 16% after probing, and 13% after toothbrushing.
- Incidences detected by PCR were generally higher than those detected by culture.
Conclusions:
- Detectable dental bacteremias induced by periodontal procedures appear to be at a lower level than previously reported.
- Findings suggest a potentially lower risk of bacteremia-related complications from these procedures than previously assumed.