Dentist ~ Tell of PM ?

Necessary to advise the dentist that a PM is now in place ? Hubs has an old shoulder replacement, and now the new PM ~ does one take an antibiotic pre dentist visit ? Even for teeth cleaning ? LN

8 Comments

dentist

by Tracey_E - 2013-04-06 08:04:38

Yes, tell the dentist but no it doesn't make much difference for a cleaning. If you need other procedures, they may need to modify for us. There is one cord (ultrasound?) my hygienist is always careful to put under the chair rather than draped over like they might for others. More here
http://www.bostonscientific.com/templatedata/imports/HTML/CRM/A_Closer_Look/pdfs/ACL_Dental_Equipment_020209.pdf

Simply having a pm does not require premedication but some heart conditions it's recommended. The list gets shorter and shorter. I did until about 5 years ago, now they said it's not necessary. Here is more info from ADA
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/p/Premedication-or-Antibiotics.aspx

Tell Everyone!!!!!

by donr - 2013-04-06 10:04:33

The dentist is not critical for normal, routine care. It's when h/she does something like a crown prep & has to remove some gum tissue. They might want to use an electrocautery device. That can be problematical, since it uses high frequency radio energy & involves attaching a grounding patch somewhere on the body.

The dental assistant is the one you should be sure knows about your PM - they can easily LEAN on the PM. THAT can be uncomfy!

Don

Printed your ans's off for hubs!

by lindasue101 - 2013-04-06 11:04:18

Thanks TraceyE; doner and PNLXLBQ04 ~ Good stuff here and I printed the page for hubs to read. THis site is awesome! Attention, all newbies ~ THIS IS THE PLACE ! [just wonder, is there ever a time when a cadio monitors to keep mistaken info from crossing our paths ?]

How much more, the "professional" than the actual PM wearer ? ! ln

professionals

by Tracey_E - 2013-04-07 01:04:53

This is a site of patients, owned by a fellow patient. Always remember that we are speaking from experience only. While we have the occasional rep, nurse, med student and occasionally even a dr jump in and post, don't forget even online advice from a professional can't be relied on because they don't know your history.

Grateful Heart, I thought the antibiotics were more to keep endocarditis from getting to the heart rather than infection getting to the implant? My dentist has "we cater to cowards" on his business cards, he rocks.

Tracey

by Grateful Heart - 2013-04-07 05:04:45

I copied this from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons website.

http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00377

Preventing Infection
A common cause of infection following hip replacement surgery is from bacteria that enter the bloodstream during dental procedures, urinary tract infections, or skin infections.

Following your surgery, you may need to take antibiotics prior to dental work, including dental cleanings, or any surgical procedure that could allow bacteria to enter your bloodstream. For many people with joint replacements and normal immune systems, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) recommends taking preventative antibiotics before dental work.

Warning signs of infection. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following signs of a possible hip replacement infection:
•Persistent fever (higher than 100°F orally)
•Shaking chills
•Increasing redness, tenderness, or swelling of the hip wound
•Drainage from the hip wound
•Increasing hip pain with both activity and rest

I'm sure there are different professional opinions on pre med treatments but since both Doctors told me the same thing, I wouldn't want to risk it.

lindasue: It is always welcomed when the Docs, Nurses or Reps come on line and respond to questions or concerns, but like Tracey said, they don't know our history so they are usually general responses but can be very informative. It's always good to learn.

Grateful Heart

Y'all are just too awesome !

by lindasue101 - 2013-04-07 06:04:36

More to print off for hubs ! Thank you, thank you ! We newbies are sooo fortunate to have you ! ! ln

Hi

by Jax - 2013-04-07 11:04:37

I go to the dds often. I told the hygenist about my pm. After that it was business as usual. I notice no change at all. No premed either. You can check with yr doc but that's usually for replacement valve patients and such.

Yes, yes, yes

by Grateful Heart - 2013-04-07 12:04:43

Tell the Dentist. My hygienist said to check with Boston Scientific regarding the Cavitron (cleaning tool) and they told me to not let the wire/ cable run across your body. They said to make sure it runs under the chair.

Your hubby's shoulder replacement. I recently had a hip replacement and was told by my Dentist and Ortho that anytime I have a dental procedure now, even a cleaning since your gums bleed, I must pre medicate with an antibiotic. They both said bacteria can and wants to travel to the hip device. I would think the same is for a shoulder replacement??

Interesting enough, I did not need any pre meds because of the ICD. Don't understand what the difference is....metal is metal??

When in doubt, call his pm company, like Boston Sci or Medtronic and ask. They are usually very helpful.

I love my Dentist, very gentle....oh oh...new rumor.

Grateful Heart



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