Post-extraction socket changes in diabetic patients - a retrospective study

It is very difficult to determine the time point of inserting implants for diabetic patients. And less we know about how diabetic sockets change with time. Based on the previous studies on non-diabetic socket healing, we analysed preand post-extraction cone beam computed tomography images of type 2 diabetes patients (n=93) and, age and sex matched non-diabetic controls (n=93) to investigate post-extraction socket dimensional changes. Postextraction follow-up time ranged from three to 24 months. Socket dimensions (socket width and height, alveolar ridge width and height) were compared between the groups using computed tomography images. No significant differences between the groups were observed in pre-extraction socket dimensions. Post-extraction socket width and depth were significantly higher in diabetic group compared to non-diabetic group in all follow-up time points (3, 4-6, 7-12 and 13-24 months). Differences in alveolar ridge width and height between the groups at all the postextraction time points were not statistically significant. An unfavourable, delayed early post-extraction socket healing was observed in diabetic patients. Therefore, implant insertion could be delayed four to six months post-extraction in diabetic patients for improved prognosis of prosthetic management.