Optimizing preoperative assessment for dentoalveolar surgery in geriatric patients: The emerging role of CGA

Introduction: The elderly have a high susceptibility to various active pathogens and are associated with multimorbidity.  These conditions result in medical procedures, especially those that are invasive, having a much higher risk and complications, including dentoalveolar surgical procedures. This scientific review was prepared as a reference for pre-operative management in dentoalveolar surgery to support a safe and controlled intra- and post-operative experience for geriatric patients. 

Literature review: This study used 30 studies in the last 10 years retrieved through Google scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct search engines with inclusion and exclusion criteria. 

Discussion: Preoperative assessment, particularly comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA), is crucial for successful surgical management in the elderly. Studies highlight CGA's role in reducing morbidity, mortality, and postoperative complications related to frailty across different surgeries. Dentoalveolar surgery in the elderly shows a high prevalence and risk, yet there are no established preoperative guidelines for its management. The key domains of CGA assessment have strong potential to prevent poor surgical outcomes after dentoalveolar surgery based on the similarities in complications, frailty, and morbidity that occur in various surgeries in the elderly. 

Conclusion: CGA can be the gold standard in the management of dentoalveolar surgery in geriatric patients to provide excellent care and a comfortable post-operative experience for patients.