Preoperative Oral Health Assessment and Treatment Needs in Candidates for Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery: a Brazilian Cross-Sectional Study

Jessica Ferreira Vogel; Diego Belmiro; José Alcides Almeida de Arruda; Sílvia Paula de Oliveira; Luciana Munhoz; Bruno Augusto Benevenuto de Andrade; Jefferson Rocha Tenório

doi:10.5327/2525-5711.461

Authors

Jessica Ferreira Vogel Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, School of Dentistry, Department of Oral Diagnosis and Pathology – Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil. https://orcid.org/0009-0005-0862-8067
Diego Belmiro Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, School of Dentistry, Department of Oral Diagnosis and Pathology – Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0109-6863
José Alcides Almeida de Arruda Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, School of Dentistry, Department of Oral Diagnosis and Pathology – Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6599-3950
Sílvia Paula de Oliveira Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Clinical Dentistry Service – Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1892-7069
Luciana Munhoz Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto School of Dentistry, Public Healthy and Forensic Dentistry, Department of Stomatology – Ribeirão Preto (SP), Brazil. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2375-5935
Bruno Augusto Benevenuto de Andrade Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, School of Dentistry, Department of Oral Diagnosis and Pathology – Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3259-606X
Jefferson Rocha Tenório Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, School of Dentistry, Department of Oral Diagnosis and Pathology – Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6986-9148

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5327/2525-5711.461

Keywords:

cardiovascular surgical procedures, Gingivitis, Thoracic surgery, Oral health, oral hygiene

Abstract

Objective: To assess the oral health status and dental treatment needs of patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) preparing for cardiothoracic and/or vascular surgery in a Brazilian population. Methods: This cross-sectional study included adults with CVD. Demographic and cardiological data were obtained from medical records, while dental examinations assessed Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) scores, periodontal alterations, and sources of oral infection. Radiographic evaluations identified bone defects and intraosseous lesions. Results: Forty-eight participants (54.2% male, mean age 62.4 years) were included. Coronary artery disease (CAD) and aortic stenosis were the most prevalent CVD. Myocardial revascularization and valve replacement surgeries accounted for 97.9% of the procedures. Participants had a high mean DMFT score (18.8±6.8). Oral findings included dental calculus (35.4%), gingival recession (31.1%), and horizontal bone defects (83.3%). CAD was not significantly associated with gingival inflammation and/or salivary calculus (p=0.063), although a trend toward significance was observed. A significant association was found between valvular surgery and myocardial revascularization (p=0.019). Conclusion: Patients awaiting cardiovascular surgery exhibited significant dental treatment needs, underscoring the importance of preventive, restorative, and periodontal care to minimize adverse cardiac outcomes. Our findings align with international guidelines and contribute to promoting safer and more effective perioperative care for individuals with complex cardiac conditions. Clinical significance statement: Comprehensive dental evaluations in candidates for cardiovascular surgery are crucial to address prevalent oral health issues, such as periodontal disease and dental infections. Early interventions can reduce systemic inflammation, minimize the risk of postoperative complications, and optimize surgical outcomes, especially in patients with coronary artery disease and multiple comorbidities.

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