Healthy liver intertwined with a radiant smile, symbolizing the connection between liver and dental health.

Hidden Risks: Liver Transplants and Your Dental Health

Jordan Keane in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover the surprising link between liver transplant candidacy and increased dental problems, plus what you can do about it."

When facing serious health challenges like end-stage liver disease, it's easy to focus solely on the primary condition. However, the body is interconnected, and one area of health can significantly impact another. For individuals considering liver transplantation (LT), this is especially true, as their oral health can play a surprisingly crucial role in their overall outcomes.

Cirrhosis, often stemming from hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or excessive alcohol consumption, weakens the immune system. This, combined with the effects of liver disease, can create a perfect storm for infections. Adding to this, post-transplant immunosuppression further increases the risk of complications. The mouth, often overlooked, can become a breeding ground for pathogens that trigger serious post-operative infections.

This article will explore the lesser-known link between liver transplant candidacy and dental health, focusing on a recent study that sheds light on the prevalence of apical periodontitis (AP) – a specific type of dental infection – and the frequency of root canal treatments in this population. Understanding these connections can empower you to take proactive steps to protect your health and improve your transplant journey.

The Study: Uncovering the Dental Risks

Healthy liver intertwined with a radiant smile, symbolizing the connection between liver and dental health.

A recent study published in Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal investigated the oral health of liver transplant candidates (LTCs) compared to a control group of healthy individuals. The researchers aimed to determine if there was a significant difference in the prevalence of apical periodontitis (AP), identified through radiographic periapical lesions (RPL), and the number of root canal treatments between the two groups.

The study involved 42 liver transplant candidates and 42 control subjects. Digital panoramic radiographs were used to assess the periapical status of each participant, using the Periapical Index (PAI) to score the presence and severity of AP. The researchers then analyzed the data to identify any statistically significant differences between the groups.

Higher AP Prevalence: A staggering 79% of liver transplant candidates showed radiographic signs of AP, compared to only 50% of the control group.
Fewer Root Canal Treatments: Surprisingly, LTCs had significantly fewer root-filled teeth (19%) compared to the control group (62%).
More Affected Teeth: Among LTC patients, 14.7% of their teeth were affected by AP, while only 4.2% of teeth in the control subjects were affected.

The study's findings strongly suggest that liver transplant candidates have a significantly higher prevalence of radiographic periapical lesions (RPL) and a lower frequency of root-filled teeth (RFT) compared to healthy controls. These results highlight the importance of oral health screenings and interventions for individuals awaiting liver transplantation.

What This Means for You: Taking Control of Your Oral Health

If you or someone you know is a liver transplant candidate, these findings underscore the critical need for proactive dental care. A comprehensive oral health examination should be a priority, including a thorough assessment of periapical status and identification of any existing infections.

Given the increased risk of AP and the potential for dental infections to complicate the transplant process, early intervention is key. This may involve root canal treatments to address existing infections, extractions of non-restorable teeth, and a focus on improving overall oral hygiene.

By prioritizing dental health, liver transplant candidates can reduce their risk of post-transplant complications, improve their overall well-being, and increase their chances of a successful transplant journey. Don't let hidden dental issues jeopardize your health – take control and make your oral health a priority today.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.4317/medoral.19148, Alternate LINK

Title: Prevalence Of Apical Periodontitis And Frequency Of Root Canal Treatments In Liver Transplant Candidates

Subject: General Dentistry

Journal: Medicina Oral Patología Oral y Cirugia Bucal

Publisher: Medicina Oral, S.L.

Authors: L. Castellanos-Cosano, G. Machuca-Portillo, Jj. Segura-Sampedro, D. Torres-Lagares, J. Lopez-Lopez, E. Velasco-Ortega, Jj. Segura-Egea

Published: 2013-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

Why is dental health important for someone considering a Liver Transplantation (LT)?

The connection lies in the weakened immune system of individuals with Cirrhosis, a common precursor to needing a Liver Transplantation (LT). Cirrhosis, often caused by Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, or excessive alcohol consumption, makes the body more susceptible to infections. The mouth can become a breeding ground for pathogens. Post-transplant immunosuppression further amplifies this risk, making oral health screenings and interventions critical for individuals awaiting LT.

What study was conducted to investigate the link between Liver Transplant Candidates (LTCs) and dental health?

A recent study published in *Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal* investigated the oral health of Liver Transplant Candidates (LTCs). The researchers examined the prevalence of Apical Periodontitis (AP), identified through Radiographic Periapical Lesions (RPL), and the number of root canal treatments. The study compared 42 LTCs to 42 healthy controls using digital panoramic radiographs and the Periapical Index (PAI). The findings revealed significant differences in dental health between the two groups.

What were the key findings of the study regarding Liver Transplant Candidates (LTCs) and their dental health?

The study's results indicated a higher prevalence of Radiographic Periapical Lesions (RPL), a sign of Apical Periodontitis (AP), among Liver Transplant Candidates (LTCs). Specifically, 79% of LTCs showed signs of AP compared to 50% in the control group. Surprisingly, LTCs had significantly fewer root-filled teeth (19%) compared to the control group (62%), with a greater percentage of affected teeth within the LTC group (14.7% vs. 4.2%).

What is Apical Periodontitis (AP), and why is it a concern for individuals awaiting a Liver Transplantation (LT)?

Apical Periodontitis (AP) is a dental infection that can be identified through Radiographic Periapical Lesions (RPL). This type of infection poses a significant risk for Liver Transplant Candidates (LTCs) due to their weakened immune systems and the immunosuppression they undergo post-transplant. The mouth can become a source of infection, potentially leading to serious complications after a Liver Transplantation (LT).

What steps should a Liver Transplant Candidate (LTC) take to protect their oral health?

If you are a Liver Transplant Candidate (LTC), prioritizing oral health is crucial. A comprehensive examination is recommended. This should include a thorough assessment of your periapical status, including the identification of any existing infections. Proactive dental care can significantly reduce the risk of complications during and after a Liver Transplantation (LT), leading to better outcomes.