Types of and reasons for postoperative complications after routine tooth extractions in Lagos: a pilot study

Abstract

Tooth extraction also called exodontia is one of the most common surgical procedures. This study was to assess the reasons and the types of wound healing complications arising after routine (intra alveolar dental extraction) in a General hospital in Lagos. Consecutive recruitment (convenient sampling) method was used to recruit all subjects who met the inclusion criteria. Intra alveolar extractions were done for all subjects and each placed on Amoxicillin and Metronidazole for 5 days postoperatively. Postoperative socket healing complications, pain and compliance to post-operative instructions were assessed in all the patients. Results were analyzed using SPSS and descriptive statistics in form of percentages were used for the studies' parameter. Healing was uneventful in 63 patients (84%). Twelve patients (16%) developed complications. The general pattern of postoperative pain revealed that pain decreased from 1^st through 7^th day postoperatively. Non -compliance to instructions and post-operative medication as well as pain on 3^rd postoperative day were found to be significantly associated with wound healing complications. Dry socket was the most common of the alveolus wound healing complications constituting 8% (6 patients), and all complications occurred on or before the 3^rd postoperative day.

Keywords: dental extraction, wound healing complications