Teeth Cleaning

[ronnie242]

How long after a Heart Attack can you have your teeth cleaned

[ed34]

Yes I do agree about the anti coagulant meds being an issue with treatments involving bleeding. I had to stop my anti coagulants for 2 days prior to a tooth extraction, then resume them 24 hours after. However, the question raised was regarding cleaning.

[lawlean]

Within a couple of weeks after my heart attack, one of my root-cannelled teeth split vertically at 40%. I went to a Dental hospital instead of my usual dentist due to my blood thinning medication. The dental prof after mapping my teeth, x-ray and told me it is usually after 6 months a heart attacked patient can extract his teeth. I told her that my broken tooth is causing serious disconfort and may bleed. However she ask me to return the next morning because she need to refer to a cardiologist. She also told me to be there early in the morning in case of complication. The next day my broken tooth was removed with extra caution. After the extraction I was rested for 10 minutes until the bleeding stopped before I could go home.

[ed34]

I think it depends on the view of your Cardiologist and Dentist. My Cardiologist feels there is no evidence to show mouth hygiene has anything to do with clogged arteries, but could be linked somehow with valve disease. My Dentist feels there is little risk with a clean because the process is killing any bacteria in the mouth, due to high oxygen content in the fluid pushed through the cleaning tools and suction is also used. No more bacteria is swallowed than you would during the day anyway, because they should have you rinsing frequently and spitting the fluid out. With a clean, I have never received injections?

[Smiley2000]

Hi there,

It would be interesting to know what the time limit is and if their is a time limit for Dental procedures post MI.  The more experienced Members will be here soon to comment on that.

I would definitely recommend you to avoid the adrenalin-injection and to tell the Dentist about your health history and consider prophylactic antibiotics before your procedure, but speak to your Cardiologist about this.

All the best and keep us posted,