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Why You Should Always Tell Your Dentist about Your Heart Condition...
We may not be a cardiologist, but sharing your cardiac history with us could just spare your life.
In some cases, dental patients with certain heart abnormalities may want to undergo a course of antibiotics before receiving any type of dental care. Even simple procedures such as teeth cleaning can cause bacteria to be released into the bloodstream through the gums. These bacteria can settle in the heart and cause an infection called sub-acute bacterial endocarditis (that's SBE for the rest of us). While this is a serious and sometimes life-threatening condition, patients can avoid it entirely if properly pre-medicated.
Patients suffering from other heart conditions may be considered "high risk" and require a pre-treatment antibiotic regimen. If you're suffering from a heart condition, your medical doctor can advise you on the best course of action. It is critical to inform our office when you schedule an appointment so that we can take the proper precautions. New guidelines suggest those with heart problems probably don't need antibiotics before dental work, but it's still essential that you tell us about any cardiac issues you might have. Undergoing a course of antibiotics can be a nuisance, but it should not prevent you from receiving oral health care.
Please give us a call at 410-535-5055, with any questions you may have, we are happy to accommodate as extra needs or precautions you may have.
We may not be a cardiologist, but sharing your cardiac history with us could just spare your life.
In some cases, dental patients with certain heart abnormalities may want to undergo a course of antibiotics before receiving any type of dental care. Even simple procedures such as teeth cleaning can cause bacteria to be released into the bloodstream through the gums. These bacteria can settle in the heart and cause an infection called sub-acute bacterial endocarditis (that's SBE for the rest of us). While this is a serious and sometimes life-threatening condition, patients can avoid it entirely if properly pre-medicated.
Patients suffering from other heart conditions may be considered "high risk" and require a pre-treatment antibiotic regimen. If you're suffering from a heart condition, your medical doctor can advise you on the best course of action. It is critical to inform our office when you schedule an appointment so that we can take the proper precautions. New guidelines suggest those with heart problems probably don't need antibiotics before dental work, but it's still essential that you tell us about any cardiac issues you might have. Undergoing a course of antibiotics can be a nuisance, but it should not prevent you from receiving oral health care.
Please give us a call at 410-535-5055, with any questions you may have, we are happy to accommodate as extra needs or precautions you may have.
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