Dental treatment considerations for the pre- and post-organ transplant patient

Organ transplantation is a viable treatment for individuals whose quality of life is significantly impaired. There has been a dramatic increase in the number of whole organ transplants being performed over the past few years; and although somewhat limited by donor availability, these numbers have continued to increase as success rates improve and more medical centers perform them. The number of solid organ transplants performed throughout the world has grown from 35,628 (1980-1990) to 285,561 (1989-1991). The number of patients on the waiting list for organs has increased by 59.4 percent from 1988 to 1993. As this patient population grows, the community-based dental practitioner will be faced with a special set of concerns. Understanding the diverse precautions for treatment of pre- and post-organ transplant patients will help the practitioner adequately treat the dental needs of this patients population.