dental/time after surgery

[marie]

I will be 5 months post op on 5/22/08 with a tissue AVR. My cardio advised me to wait six months after surgery for any dental work. Now my problem. I have a bridge that has broken. Haven't been to the dentist but this bridge has broken before and to fix it requires him to drill. I have not called my dentist yet as it just happened.

I am not on coumadin.

Any comments, advice, suggestions?
Thanks Earline

 

[Smiley2000]

Please call your Cardiologist and get a prescription for Antibiotics that you have to take 1 hour before dental work to prevent contracting Bacterial Endocarditis.

Take care

 

[Ross]

You may or may not be put on an antibiotic. I just found out that for normal things, like cleanings and such, they no longer recommend it. I would feel more comfortable if they did being your valve is new. Get your Cardio and Dentist on the same page.

 

[Jkm7]

I have tissue valve and both my cardio and surgeon stressed we are one of the exceptions to the new judgment about pre-medicating may no longer be necessary. They were both firm I continue to premedicate each time I go to the dentist. Easy enough to do and I will follow their instructions.

Marie: Maybe you should call your surgeon and/or cardio? Hope it's okay for you to go and have it fixed.

 

[marie]

I have tissue valve and both my cardio and surgeon stressed we are one of the exceptions to the new judgment about pre-medicating may no longer be necessary. They were both firm I continue to premedicate each time I go to the dentist. Easy enough to do and I will follow their instructions.

Marie: Maybe you should call your surgeon and/or cardio? Hope it's okay for you to go and have it fixed.

My cardio has already told me he wants me on antibotics for dental work and I'm don't think my dentist will have a problem with that. I'm just wondering about having it fixed. Cardio didn't want me having any dental work for six months so don't know. I guess I'll have to call him or maybe the dentist (who is easier to reach) my have an answer or solution short of drilling.
Thanks Earline

 

[Jkm7]

I was told told the same thing. I had made my regular dental cleaning appointment before I knew I was having a second OHS. The reminder card came in about a month after my surgery. I called my surgeon's office to specifically ask if I should keep the appointment. They could not have been more definite I should rebook for some time after the six months.

 

[marie]

Thanks everyone for your input. I will call both my dentist and my cardio and I'll keep you posted as to what happens.

I have so many dental problems. I just want to yank them all out and put dentures.

OK I'll go get some cheese to go with my whine.

Have a great evening
Earline

 

[tobagotwo]

If it doesn't involve heavy bleeding, the ADA does not recommend antibiotics. A standard filling or a broken bridge is likely all above-the-gumline work, and would thus not require it, so this may be a tempest in a teapot. However, many dentist will require it anyway, because that's the way medicine is these days. If you had any of your aorta replaced or resectioned (anything more than a "simple" valve repair or replacement, it may take up to six months for all of the epithelium (inside skin) to fully heal and develop. Otherwise, three months is generally accepted.

Best wishes,

 

[Lisa in Katy]

According to my dentist, it's mechanical valves that need antibiotics, not tissue valves. Also, anyone who previously had endocarditis. I get a check in both columns, so I was premedicated for all my recent dental work.

 

[marie]

My dentist prefers that I wait until six months post op. He is going to pull the broken tooth, take impressions and put a bridge on each side on the bottom. I have seven front bottom teeth left two of which have caps/crowns.
Thanks for all of your input it was greatly appreciated.

OK Ross now your turn.

Earline

 

[KristyW]

According to my dentist, it's mechanical valves that need antibiotics, not tissue valves. Also, anyone who previously had endocarditis. I get a check in both columns, so I was premedicated for all my recent dental work.

The new guidlines came across a little confusing the first time. I have seen updates in JADA (dental publication)..Premedication is recommended for these procedures: cleaning (most important because there is usually bleeding and a stirring up of subgingival bacteria[below the gumline]) Crown preparations, filling work at or below the gumline, periodontal procedures and extractions. for the following patients:

Artificial heart valves (not yours = artificial)
Previous instance of endocarditis
Any dacron grafting material in the aorta
And other defects of the heart

They removed the recommendations for those who have:
Mitral Valve Prolapse
Rheumatic Heart Disease
Bileaflet Valve Disease
Calcified Aortic Stenosis
And Ventrical & Atrial septal defects