From the Research
Yes, acute kidney injury (AKI) can potentially be caused by a tooth extraction, though it's uncommon, as supported by the most recent study in 2023 1. This connection typically occurs through several mechanisms, including infections from dental procedures that can spread systemically, triggering inflammatory responses that affect kidney function. Additionally, antibiotics prescribed after extraction, such as aminoglycosides, may have nephrotoxic effects in some patients, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen commonly used for post-extraction pain can reduce kidney blood flow and cause AKI, especially in patients with pre-existing kidney disease, heart failure, or dehydration. Some key points to consider include:
- Infections from dental procedures can lead to systemic inflammation affecting kidney function
- Certain antibiotics and NSAIDs can have nephrotoxic effects or reduce kidney blood flow
- Patients with pre-existing kidney disease, diabetes, hypertension, or advanced age are at higher risk
- A study from 2022 2 found that individuals with chronic kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis tend to heal well after dental extractions but may experience prolonged bleeding events
- The definition and treatment of AKI have been standardized, with guidelines emphasizing the importance of early detection and proper management, as discussed in a 2020 review 3 To minimize this risk, dentists should:
- Obtain thorough medical histories
- Consider alternative pain management strategies for high-risk patients
- Ensure proper hydration
- Monitor for early signs of kidney problems like decreased urination, swelling, or fatigue after dental procedures, as AKI can have severe consequences, including increased risk of mortality and progression to chronic kidney disease, as noted in a 2021 review 4 and a 2018 seminar 5.