Dental Complications and Reasons for Delayed Clearance Before Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant

Dental evaluation before hematological stem-cell transplant (HSCT) is considered a standard of care. Data on the complications of dental treatment before HSCT are scarce. The aim was to analyze the data on dental treatment in patients undergoing HSCT with an emphasis on complications and reasons for delayed dental clearance.

Retrospective chart review of 125 patients referred for dental evaluation before HSCT was performed. Demographic, medical, dental data, and complications were registered. Number of appointments and days required to obtain a dental clearance for HSCT were registered, as well as reasons for delayed (i.e., > 21 days) dental clearance.

The most common procedure was tooth extraction, performed in 48 (38.4%) patients. Complications, that is, local infection and delayed healing, occurred in 2 (1.6%) patients. Most patients (104; 83.2%) obtained dental clearance for HSCT in 1-2 appointments (median 1 day). No patient experienced dental complications during the early (≤ 30 days) post-transplant period. Seven (5.6%) patients had their dental clearance delayed for more than 21 days due to increased treatment needs and complex medical conditions.

Dental treatment before HSCT can be performed with an acceptable safety rate. Delayed dental clearance occurs in complex, high-risk patients with significantly increased treatment needs.