Taking proper precautions is an unfortunate fact of life for heart patients. But taking those measures can prevent serious medical problems and even save lives. One of these precautions is premedication, and some dental procedures require heart patients to premedicate. Receiving antibiotics before the procedure begins can prevent infection during the time that a patient is vulnerable to bacteria. But which patients need premedication and for which procedures? Your Rochester dentist, Dr. Gilly Calcagno, explains when premedication is a necessary precaution.
Which Procedures Require Premedication?
Premedication is necessary for certain heart patients who undergo any kind of invasive procedure. Dental implants, wisdom teeth extractions, and root canals are a few examples. Premedication is necessary in these cases because during these procedures the patient’s bloodstream is more vulnerable to infection-causing bacteria. If the bacteria enter the bloodstream, they can make their way to the heart where they can cause endocarditis or a serious infection.
Other dental procedures, like regular cleanings, do not require premedication. However, always be sure to tell Dr. Calcagno if you are a heart patient so that she can administer the proper care.
Which Patients Need Premedication?
According to the recommendations of the American Heart Association (AHA), not all heart patients require premedication before invasive dental procedures. The AHA identifies patients with the following problems as candidates for premedication:
- Patients with artificial heart valves
- Patients with a history of infective endocarditis
- Patients with a cardiac transplant that has developed a heart problem.
- Patients with unrepaired or incompletely repaired cyanotic congenital heart disease
- Patients whose congenital heart defect was repaired using a prosthetic device (first six months after surgery)
- Patients with a residual defect following the repair of a congenital heart defect.
Schedule an Appointment with Your Rochester Dentist
Do you have a heart condition? Do you need a procedure that may require premedication? Schedule an appointment or consultation with your Rochester dentist, Dr. Calcagno, today by calling 507-281-3659. Our 55902 dentist office offers the latest care in general and cosmetic dentistry. We serve patients from Rochester, Red Wing, St. Charles, Winona, Farmington, and surrounding areas.
Source: http://www.dentalhygiene411.com/uncategorized/premedication-dental-treatment/
