Can I Undergo Wisdom Tooth Extraction and Minimally Invasive Surgery with Low White Blood Cell Count? - Surgery

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Can a person with leukopenia undergo wisdom tooth extraction or minimally invasive surgery?


Hello Dr.
Li,
It may be related to the side effects of the medication (the drug insert mentions leukopenia).
My white blood cell count is currently 2700, down from 3500 in the last blood test, and it was over 6000 before starting the medication.
All other blood tests are within normal ranges, my diet is normal, and I do not have any discomfort.
I will need to continue taking this medication for four more years.

I would like to ask:
1.
I have four wisdom teeth that I want to extract, two of which are horizontally impacted.
With a white blood cell count of 2700, can I proceed with the extraction? Is there a risk of infection? If it is possible to extract, would you recommend doing it one at a time?
2.
I am considering minimally invasive surgery for a fibroadenoma, which involves pressure hemostasis.
Given my white blood cell count is below the standard range, is it safe to proceed with this surgery? The fibroadenoma surgery may take priority over the wisdom tooth extraction.
Thank you for your kind response, Dr.
Li.

Happy, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/08/15

Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery


Hello! 1.
I have a total of four wisdom teeth that I want to extract, two of which are horizontally impacted.
My white blood cell count is 2700; can I proceed with the extraction? Is there a risk of infection? If it's possible to extract, would you recommend doing it one tooth at a time? ==> Yes, it can be extracted, and it is advisable to use antibiotics for a few more days.
2.
I would like to undergo minimally invasive surgery for a fibroepithelial tumor, which involves pressure hemostasis.
Since my white blood cell count is below the standard value, can I still have the surgery? ==> If the platelet count is normal, the surgery can proceed, and it is also recommended to use antibiotics for a few more days.
Take care! Changhua Hospital cares about you!

Reply Date: 2018/08/15

More Info


When considering surgical procedures such as wisdom tooth extraction and minimally invasive surgery, a low white blood cell (WBC) count can raise concerns regarding infection risk and overall surgical safety. In your case, with a WBC count of 2700 (normal range being above 4000), it is essential to evaluate the implications of this condition before proceeding with any surgical interventions.


Wisdom Tooth Extraction
1. Can I have my wisdom teeth removed with a WBC count of 2700?
Yes, it is generally possible to proceed with the extraction of wisdom teeth even if your WBC count is low, but several factors must be taken into account. The primary concern with a low WBC count is the increased risk of infection post-surgery. White blood cells are crucial for fighting infections, and a reduced count may impair your body's ability to respond effectively to potential pathogens introduced during the extraction process.

2. Will there be an increased risk of infection?
Yes, there is a heightened risk of infection due to your low WBC count. To mitigate this risk, your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend a course of antibiotics before and after the procedure. This prophylactic measure can help reduce the likelihood of postoperative infections.

3. Should I extract all four wisdom teeth at once or one at a time?
The decision to extract one or multiple teeth at once should be made in consultation with your oral surgeon. If your overall health is stable and you are closely monitored, it may be feasible to remove all four teeth in one session. However, if there are concerns about your recovery or infection risk, it might be prudent to extract them one at a time. This approach allows for better management of any complications that may arise.


Minimally Invasive Surgery for Fibroadenoma
1. Can I undergo minimally invasive surgery with a low WBC count?
Similar to wisdom tooth extraction, minimally invasive surgery, such as the removal of a fibroadenoma, can be performed with a low WBC count, provided that other parameters, such as platelet count and overall health, are stable. The surgical team will assess your complete blood count and other relevant health indicators before proceeding.

2. Is the risk of complications higher?
Yes, the risk of complications, including infection and delayed healing, may be higher with a low WBC count. The surgical team may take additional precautions, such as administering antibiotics and ensuring that the surgical environment is as sterile as possible.

3. Prioritization of surgeries:
If the fibroadenoma surgery is deemed more urgent due to its potential impact on your health or quality of life, it may be prioritized over the wisdom tooth extraction. Discussing the urgency and necessity of each procedure with your healthcare provider will help in making an informed decision.


Conclusion
In summary, while both wisdom tooth extraction and minimally invasive surgery can be performed with a low WBC count, careful consideration and planning are essential. It is crucial to maintain open communication with your healthcare providers, who can tailor their approach based on your specific health status and risks. They may recommend additional monitoring, antibiotic prophylaxis, and possibly delaying surgery until your WBC count improves, depending on the urgency of the procedures and your overall health condition. Always follow your doctor's advice and ensure that you are adequately prepared for any surgical intervention.

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