SHORT COMMUNICATION Evaluation of the dental status in patients referred for heart surgery – a preliminary report

The authors examined the oral health status in 100 consecutive patients of the Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Lodz, referred to scheduled heart operations. 26% of them were edentulous and they did not undergo closer clinical examination. Patients with natural dentition made 74% of the examined group. Oral hygiene in majority of the cases was not satisfactory – in 64% of the patients calculus and accompanying gingivitis were found. 17% of patients had neither treated nor removed roots. A DMF (Decay Missing Filled) index and treatment index were calculated in these patients as well. Mean values of the DMF index are: D – 3, M – 17, F – 4. The mean value of the treatment index equals 0.57. Lymphadenopathy was observed in 42% of cases. Our findings indicate that during qualification to a heart surgery dental examination and treatment should be considered.