![Dr Gagan Dogra, B.D.S, M.D.S Dr Gagan Dogra, B.D.S, M.D.S](http://www.freevisuals4u.com/photos/2012/04/Dr.-Gagan-Dogra.gif)
By DR GAGAN DOGRA : Heart ailments have a high rate of occurrence. Heart regulates blood circulation in body. Any disturbance in its normal functioning can lead to disastrous consequences to the body. All the organs of the body
function as a single unit. If any part of the body malfunctions it effects the whole system. Dental patients usually are perplexed as to why before any dental treatment their dentist makes a detailed history of their medical problems. More so, of their cardiac status. Most common question asked to a dentist is –is there any connection between heart and teeth? What difference is it going to make on the dental treatment plan?
In a cardiac patient, a dental treatment plan is much more conservative and extra precautions are taken
compared to a systemically normal, healthy patient.
CASES OF ANGINA AND MYOCARDIAL INFARACTION (HEART ATTACK)
In such cases, patients are usually put on anti-coagulant drugs (drugs used to prevent blood from clotting) such as, Ecosprin, Disprin, Colsprin etc. These drugs prevent blood from clotting. This implies that if due to some reason bleeding results then it is likely to occur for a longer period of time than normal. In some cases there may even be difficulty in controlling such bleeding.
If in such a case a dentist has to perform a surgical procedure such as extraction etc. then under cardiological guidance the patient is instructed to stop intake of such drugs a week before the procedure.
Also the dentist may get bleeding and clotting time checked for such a patient before performing the procedure.
Moreover, the dentist advocates plain local anesthesia that is free of adrenaline as latter can adversely effect hearts functioning. Also dental procedure may stress the patient and since stress can adversely effect heart, hence patients are also advocated anti-anxiety drugs. It is also extremely important that patient’s blood pressure be normal.
A written cardiological clearance before undertaking dental treatment is mandatory.
CASES OF VALVULAR DISORDER
Microbial infection of the heart valve leads to a condition called as infective endocarditis. Bacteria causing this infection are similar to the one’s causing dental periodontitis (which is infection of the supporting structures of the teeth.) During various dental procedures such as teeth cleaning (scaling) or extraction, these bacteria can enter the blood stream and reach the heart valves where they may cause infection. Hence in such like cases dental procedures are undertaken only after proper antibiotic administration.
PATIENTS HAVING PACEMAKERS
Dental instruments which are electrically operated are usually avoided in such cases as they may hinder in the functioning of pacemakers thereby leading to complications. Hence it is important that the patient discloses that he/she has a pacemaker fitted.
To conclude, it is necessary for cardiac patients undergoing dental treatment to avoid shortcuts and follow proper instructions of both the cardiologists and the dentist to avoid complications.
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