Heart Conditions and Dental Work

If a patient suffers from a malformation in their heart or has sustained damage to their heart valves, they may need to undergo some extra precautions before receiving dental treatment. As plaque can travel to the heart through the bloodstream, these complications may trap that bacteria in the heart. As a result, the person can develop a bacterial infection known as bacterial endocarditis, which may prove to be a life-threatening condition.The primary means to combat this complication for a dentist is to recognize these potential heart problems and prescribe antibiotics accordingly. Prior to many basic and complex dental procedures, a patient may be asked to take prescription antibiotics for a few weeks. This can prevent a bacterial buildup in the heart, helping the patient stay healthy through their treatment.The dental work that may be coupled with antibiotics includes a variety of different operations and simple actions. Specifically, this may include more complicated surgical procedures such as tooth replacement, extraction, and implant installation. On the other hand, it can include simple treatments such as a standard check-up and cleaning. Additionally, gum-related procedures, including regular cleaning and surgical treatments, can prove particularly dangerous.In addition to concerns with antibiotics, patients who have recently suffered a heart attack are urged to put off any dental work for a period of time, often marked at six months. The damage to the heart done by a heart attack can increase the possibility that bacteria from a dental operation can settle in to create an infection.To learn more about dental work and heart conditions, contact a dentist.