What is the role of the dentistry in organ transplants?
Infections of oral origin are a potential threat for transplant candidates
because oral diseases tend to be more severe and untreated in people
who have received transplants. Although not yet scientifically proven,
evaluation and dental treatment during the pre-transplantation period is
recommended in order to prevent infections and resulting odontogenicorigin
sepsis during the post-transplant period, when patients receive
immunosuppressive therapy.1
Careful oral examination and evaluation of the patient, including
laboratory tests, is recommended in order to ensure correct oral preparation
and control of oral disease prior to organ transplantation (OT). Patients
with chronic diseases that lead to OT may present at any dental office for
treatment and therefore general dentists should be aware of the unique
concerns involving their assessment, education, treatment and maintenance
of oral health.2
The equilibrium between viral persistence and immune regulation of the
host is modified in many immunological conditions related to OT. Among
the opportunistic oral infections that can cause some impairment in these
patients, the most common are fungal infections, and viral infections
by CMV and HSV, and must be diagnosed early by a dentist.3 The use
of systemic medications can affect the periodontal tissues, modifying
their inflammatory and immune response, especially the gingiva. Some
immunosuppressive drugs used in OT may trigger gingival hyperplasia.4
Because of the conditions above described it is considered that the
communication between the organ transplant team and dentist is
important in formulating individualized care plans and transplant
patients need comprehensive and regular dental care during the pre
and post-transplant period and a doctor of oral medicine should be part
of a multidisciplinary team of medical specialists.5 Appropriate dental
care increases the survival of the transplanted organ.
http://www.joralres.com/index.php/JOR/article/view/388/373
Infections of oral origin are a potential threat for transplant candidates
because oral diseases tend to be more severe and untreated in people
who have received transplants. Although not yet scientifically proven,
evaluation and dental treatment during the pre-transplantation period is
recommended in order to prevent infections and resulting odontogenicorigin
sepsis during the post-transplant period, when patients receive
immunosuppressive therapy.1
Careful oral examination and evaluation of the patient, including
laboratory tests, is recommended in order to ensure correct oral preparation
and control of oral disease prior to organ transplantation (OT). Patients
with chronic diseases that lead to OT may present at any dental office for
treatment and therefore general dentists should be aware of the unique
concerns involving their assessment, education, treatment and maintenance
of oral health.2
The equilibrium between viral persistence and immune regulation of the
host is modified in many immunological conditions related to OT. Among
the opportunistic oral infections that can cause some impairment in these
patients, the most common are fungal infections, and viral infections
by CMV and HSV, and must be diagnosed early by a dentist.3 The use
of systemic medications can affect the periodontal tissues, modifying
their inflammatory and immune response, especially the gingiva. Some
immunosuppressive drugs used in OT may trigger gingival hyperplasia.4
Because of the conditions above described it is considered that the
communication between the organ transplant team and dentist is
important in formulating individualized care plans and transplant
patients need comprehensive and regular dental care during the pre
and post-transplant period and a doctor of oral medicine should be part
of a multidisciplinary team of medical specialists.5 Appropriate dental
care increases the survival of the transplanted organ.
http://www.joralres.com/index.php/JOR/article/view/388/373
