Effects of Dental Extraction on Cognitive Functions in the Elderly

Authors

  • Sara Samur Ergüven DDS, PhD,
  • Ayşe Hande Arpacı MD, Assistant Professor, Anesthesiology and Reanimation Specialist,
  • Mustafa Arslan MD, Associate Professor Doctor, Anesthesiology and Reanimation Specialist
  • Berrin Işık MD, Professor Doctor, Anesthesiology and Reanimation Specialist,

Abstract

Objective: Dental extraction can be a cause of short-term cognitive decline in elderly patients. In this research, we aimed to evaluate cognitive functions using the Mini-Mental State Examination before and after tooth extraction in elderly patients who have undergone dental extraction with local anesthesia.

Methods: A group of 40 randomly selected patients >65 years old who underwent dental extraction were included. Mini-Mental State Examinations were performed before and after dental extraction.

Results: The patients’ total Mini-Mental State Examination scores after dental extraction were statistically significantly lower than the patients’ scores before extraction (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that tooth extraction can be a cause of short-term cognitive decline in elderly patients. However, the possibility that loss of teeth is another contributing factor to long-term cognitive decline should be evaluated in further comprehensive clinical studies.

Author Biographies

Sara Samur Ergüven, DDS, PhD,

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Specialist, 75th Yıl Oral and Dental Health Hospital, Oral Surgery Clinic, Ankara, Turkey

Ayşe Hande Arpacı, MD, Assistant Professor, Anesthesiology and Reanimation Specialist,

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey

Mustafa Arslan, MD, Associate Professor Doctor, Anesthesiology and Reanimation Specialist

Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey

Berrin Işık, MD, Professor Doctor, Anesthesiology and Reanimation Specialist,

Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey

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Published

21.12.2019

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Original Research

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