From the Guidelines
A white blood cell count of 11.3 is generally acceptable for preoperative evaluation for dental implants, as it is only slightly elevated and may not necessarily indicate an underlying condition that would compromise the surgery or implant healing. The decision to proceed with surgery should be based on the patient's overall health, history, and physical examination findings, as well as clinical judgment, according to guidelines and recommendations from the American Family Physician 1.
When considering preoperative testing, the focus should be on patients with specific risk factors or symptoms, such as those undergoing urologic procedures, implantation of foreign material, or with signs of cardiovascular disease 1. For patients undergoing dental implants, a preoperative complete blood count (CBC) is indicated if there is a risk of anemia or significant perioperative blood loss anticipated, based on the patient's history and physical examination findings 1.
In the case of a white blood cell count of 11.3, which is just above the normal range, it would be prudent for the oral surgeon to consider the patient's overall clinical picture, including any symptoms or risk factors that might suggest an underlying infection or inflammation. However, based on the evidence, a mildly elevated white blood cell count by itself is unlikely to be a contraindication for dental implant surgery in an otherwise healthy individual. The surgeon may choose to discuss this finding with the patient and potentially recommend further evaluation or monitoring, but proceeding with dental implant surgery is likely acceptable given the mild elevation of the white blood cell count.
From the Research
White Blood Cell Count and Dental Implants
- A white blood cell count of 11.3 is slightly elevated, which can be caused by various factors such as infection, inflammation, or stress 2.
- In the context of dental implants, an elevated white blood cell count may not necessarily be a contraindication for surgery, but it is essential to investigate the underlying cause of the elevation 2.
- Studies have shown that antibiotics can be effective in reducing postoperative complications and implant failure, but the choice of antibiotic and dosage regimen is crucial 3, 4, 5.
Normal White Blood Cell Count Ranges
- The normal range for white blood cell count can vary depending on age, pregnancy, and other factors, and it is essential to use age- and pregnancy-specific normal ranges 2.
- A study on white blood cell count in different stages of chronic periodontitis found that patients with moderate and severe periodontitis had significantly higher counts of neutrophils, lymphocytes, and total leukocytes compared to healthy subjects 6.
Preoperative Evaluation for Dental Implants
- Preoperative evaluation for dental implants should include a thorough medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests, including a complete blood count with differential 2.
- The decision to proceed with dental implant surgery should be based on the individual patient's overall health status, medical history, and the presence of any underlying conditions that may affect the outcome of the surgery 2, 3, 4, 5.