The treatment needs of adults with inherited bleeding disorders

Aim: To describe the dental treatment needs of people with inherited bleeding disorders (IBD) attending a dental service established specifically for their care. Design of the study: A case note review study. Subjects: The first 50 people attending this newly established dental clinic. Outcome measures: Type of bleeding disorder, HIV and hepatitis status, dental attendance patterns, barriers to oral health care, caries experience, periodontal treatment needs and restorative dentistry treatment needs. Results: The commonest bleeding disorders in the first 50 attendees were Haemophilia A, Haemophilia B and von Willebrand's Disease. Twenty-six people claimed to be regular dental attenders (at least once a year). Anxiety was the principal reason for avoiding dental treatment. Twenty-two people had a positive HIV, Hepatitis B and/or Hepatitis C status. Caries experience measured using the DMFT index ranged from 0-36 with a mean of 14.4. Active caries affected between 0 and 8 teeth with a mean of 3. Forty-nine people required periodontal treatment. Twenty-five people needed a scale and polish and 24 required root planing; 37 of the group required restorative treatment, 15 extractions and 5 needed partial dentures. All participants completed treatment. Six people required intravenous sedation to do so. Conclusion: The dental treatment needs of this group of people with IBD were high