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The Dental Status of Patients Taking Common Biologic Agents: A Single-Center Cross-Sectional Study
Shivani Shah1, Nila Veerabagu1, Nana A A Essel1
1School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Objectives:
Despite expanding use and medical applications, little is known about the impact of biologic agents (BAs) on dental treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the dental status of patients on common classes of BAs to understand treatment needs and use in this population.
Methods:
A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on patients treated with the most common classes of BA (tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α] inhibitors, interleukin (IL) inhibitors, and lymphocyte modulators) from 1/7/2017 to 1/7/2022. Data on demographic factors, BA treatment, medical conditions including indication, restorative and periodontal treatments, and decayed, missing, and filled tooth index (DMFT) were compared descriptively.
Results:
The study identified 247 patients treated with 24 different BAs. Restorative and periodontal treatment was completed on 60.3% and 72.9% of patients, respectively. The DMFT scores were higher in the study cohort compared to the average US adult population. The analysis revealed an upward trend in both periodontal and restorative treatments.
Conclusions:
This study provides the first comprehensive characterization of the oral health status and treatment needs of patients taking BAs. The findings suggest a higher dental treatment burden in this population, particularly regarding restorative care in this population, a finding that may be confirmed or expanded in future evaluations.
