Well, here's an uneducated guess... I initially needed an AVR because the vegetations around my valve were getting too close to .8... So I'd imagine if they kill everything alive in there, the junk will just remain as a crummy bug catcher and u will have to be more careful than before ... Just had my molar pulled, four root canal, cavity next to it and another cap fall off during the work due to decay (?!!)... I have definitely changed dentists as he saw none of this and it isn't new... Praying the ( yes) literal jawbone I can SEE under where splinters were taken out under the pulled molar is no entrance to bacteria- the orthodontist surgeon said it was not and was quite harsh with me that the skin will ( the gum') grow back over the opening. So.. If anyone answers you intelligently... I also will be the recipient of the info as I have 2 new valves- aortic AND mitral.. Brought on we think by radiation for Hodgkins in 1970... Hope you get some answers!!!!