A Review of the Necessity of Preoperative Dental Evaluations in Nonvalvular Open Heart Surgeries

Abstract

Context: Preoperative dental evaluations (PDEs) are well-established for valvular cardiac surgeries due to their role in reducing the risk of infective endocarditis (IE). However, their role in nonvalvular open heart surgeries (OHS), such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), remains unclear. Evidence Acquisition: A comprehensive literature review was conducted, analyzing studies that explored the association between oral health and surgical outcomes, the impact of PDEs on postoperative complications, and economic considerations. Results: Preoperative dental evaluations were associated with reduced postoperative infections, shorter ICU stays, and decreased readmission rates in nonvalvular OHS patients. Barriers include lack of guidelines and logistical challenges in emergencies. Conclusions: Incorporating PDEs into preoperative protocols for nonvalvular OHS offers significant clinical and economic benefits, necessitating updated guidelines and interdisciplinary collaboration.