The organ transplanted patient in the dental clinic

Patients with solid organ transplants can be a challenge to manage pre- and postoperatively. Dental care should be given to these patients prior to surgery in order to achieve healthy oral conditions. Periodontitis has to be treated, insufficient root canal treatments need to be revised, cavities shall be filled and teeth that cannot be salvaged should be extracted. For up to three to six months after the transplantation, dental treatment should not be administered. Controversy exists regarding the need for antibiotic prophylaxis after trans- plantation. A recent Canadian study as well as the University Hospital of Zurich do not recommend prophylactic antibiotic use on a routine base. Transplanted patients should be examined and checked for oral malignancy as well as fungal, viral and bacterial infection every three months. Good oral hygiene is key pre- and postoperatively.