PHARMACOLOGICAL CHALLENGES AND OUTCOMES IN DIABETIC PATIENTS UNDERGOING DENTAL PROCEDURES: A CLINICAL STUDY IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE OF JHARKHAND
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Keywords
Diabetes mellitus, Dental procedures, Pharmacological challenges, Glycemic control, Wound healing, Postoperative infection etc.
Abstract
Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder associated with impaired immune response, altered pharmacokinetics, and delayed wound healing, all of which complicate dental management and pharmacological decision-making. Diabetic patients undergoing dental procedures are at increased risk of postoperative infection, delayed tissue repair, and adverse drug interactions, particularly in the presence of poor glycemic control. This study aimed to evaluate the pharmacological challenges encountered during routine dental procedures in diabetic patients and to assess clinical outcomes, including pain control, wound healing, infection rates, and drug-related complications, in relation to glycemic status.
Materials and Methods: This hospital-based clinical study was conducted over six months (January 2025 to June 2025) in the Department of Dentistry at Laxmi Chandravansi Medical College and Hospital. A total of 120 adult patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus undergoing routine dental procedures were included. Data regarding demographic characteristics, glycemic status, dental procedures performed, pharmacological agents used, and clinical outcomes were recorded. Associations between pharmacological factors, glycemic control, and clinical outcomes were analyzed using the Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test, with a p-value <0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: Dental extractions were the most common procedures performed (37.5%). Local anesthesia with vasoconstrictors was used in 70.8% of patients, while analgesics and antibiotics were prescribed to 91.7% and 50% of patients, respectively. Adequate intraoperative pain control was achieved in 93.3% of cases. Delayed wound healing (p = 0.01) and postoperative infections (p = 0.04) were significantly more common in patients with poor glycemic control. Drug–drug interactions and hypoglycemic episodes were infrequent and managed conservatively without major complications.
Conclusion: Diabetic patients can safely undergo routine dental procedures with satisfactory outcomes when pharmacological management is individualized. Poor glycemic control remains a significant risk factor for delayed healing and postoperative infections, highlighting the importance of metabolic optimization and interdisciplinary care in dental practice.
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Dr. Aakriti
Assistant Professor, Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Laxmi Chandravanshi Medical College and Hospital, Palamu, JharkhandDr. Saurabh Sahay
Postgraduate (1st Year), Department of Pathology, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Dehradun, UttarakhandDr. Vidushi Sharma
Assistant Professor, Department of Radiodiagnosis, Laxmi Chandravanshi Medical College and Hospital, Palamu, Jharkhand
