Medical Emergencies · single question

A patient with diabetes and smoking habit — which factor poses GREATER risk for post-extraction infection?

  1. Neither is significant
  2. Both equal
  3. Smoking poses greater risk
  4. Uncontrolled diabetes poses greater risk
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Both equal

  • A. Incorrect. They are not equal risk factors.
  • B. Correct per source. Uncontrolled diabetes impairs neutrophil function, reduces wound healing, promotes bacterial growth through hyperglycemia, and broadly impairs immune response — greater risk for post-extraction infection than smoking alone.
  • C. Incorrect. Smoking impairs healing and promotes dry socket, but diabetes has a more profound immunosuppressive effect.
  • D. Incorrect. Both significantly increase infection risk.

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