The Importance of Dental Treatment in Patients Before Radiotherapy, Chemotherapy, and Cardiac Surgeries: A Narrative Review

Oncological patients or the individuals scheduled for cardiovascular surgeries are at risk of both oral and systemic complications when existing dental pathologies are not addressed before these therapies. This narrative review explores the current literature on the role of pre-treatment dental care in reducing unfavorable outcomes and promoting treatment efficacy in medically compromised patients. The data show that early dental intervention, particularly prior to head and neck radiotherapy, considerably reduces the risk of osteoradionecrosis, rampant radiation caries, and xerostomia. Chemotherapy-associated mucositis, infections, and microbial imbalance are similarly worsened by untreated oral disease but may be managed through early sanitation and hygiene reinforcement. In cardiac patients, conditions such as apical periodontitis and periodontitis may lead to bacteremia, infective endocarditis, or prosthetic valve infections, highlighting the systemic relevance of oral health. Tooth extractions, restorative treatment of carious lesions, and control of active oral infections performed before systemic therapy can reduce complication rates, improve treatment continuity, and enhance patients' quality of life. Integrating comprehensive dental assessment into routine pre-treatment planning allows early identification of oral health risks and supports a multidisciplinary approach that optimizes overall clinical outcomes.