teeth cleaning

Ultrasonic problems?

by Gotrhythm - 2019-01-30 14:44:35

I have a St Jude PM. Never had any trouble with the ultrasonice scaler. If your pacemaker is fairly new--like the last 5-10 years--I'd be willing to guess yours won't be bothered either. 

You need to understand that it's not the ultrasonic part that causes problems. It's the possibility of electromagnetic interference. All electric and electronic things create an electromagnetic field. But today's pacemakers are well shielded against electromagnetic interference and it's rarely a problem under normal conditions.

Check with your pacemaker's manufacturer. They can give you an authoritative answer.

safety

by Tracey_E - 2019-01-30 15:16:53

As Gotrhythm said, newer pacers are almost always ok. My dentist is careful to keep the cable away from my chest, that's it.

get the docs to talk.

by dwelch - 2019-02-12 04:33:54

This is almost a game at this point 30 years in.  You might still get dentists sometimes that ask about pre-medication.  you can read Tracey E's responses to that question, and the dentists should know better now.  Mostly with dentists, but it is so very curious that I am somehow the messenger between the docs, just call my doc, speak doctor speak and get this overwith, dont go through me.  it is somewhat if a game for me now, dont know call my cardiologist I can get you their number.  they did call for the ultrasonic scaler (pretty sure it was the tecn not the dentist, which is the one that needs the answer anyway).  They were told to keep the cable away from the pacer so she kinda wraps herself up in it, which is silly as they didnt bother to ask for years before that and it didnt/doesnt do anything. 

If it makes everyone feel better from the lawyers to docs to patients have them lay the cable/bundle over your other side or somehow suspend it in the air.  Realistically I think mine dental tech puts it around her neck so it comes down along her arm and stays well away from my pacer or me in general.