Pacemaker and dental treatment

[Kendalghost]

I am due to get a pacemaker fitted on 26 June, I also have a dental appointment on 27 June for treatment - root canal and crown. Is this going to be okay or will I have to delay the dental treatment? Any advice folks???

[Lowerfield_no_more]

I would be asking both the cardio team and the dentist. That way you will get the definitive answer.

[Kendalghost in reply to Lowerfield_no_more]

Thanks I've spoken to the pacemaker team and they said it would be okay but to ask the consultant on the day. It is just that the dentist is leaving and I've waited 3 months for this appointment.

[Taviterry]

Definitely one for your cardio team, and I wonder if your dentist would want to treat you just a day later. FWIW several of the websites I've just glanced at suggest that one MAY be able to go home on the day of the Pacemaker being inserted or one COULD be kept in hospital for a day or so.

[Kendalghost in reply to Taviterry]

Thanks I've spoken to the pacemaker team and they said it would be okay but to ask the consultant on the day. It is just that the dentist is leaving and I've waited 3 months for this appointment as it will is for an hour and a half. I also don't have the time of the appointment yet, if it is early I am likely to be able to go home but if it isn't then I won't be able to travel back for the dentists anyway. I can see that I will wait at least another 3 months to see another dentist.

[devonian186]

Can't you explain to the Dentist and ask them to rearrange the appointment? They generally have some emergency appointments up their sleeve.

It might be that you will turn up for the appt and when the dental team hear of the procedure only hours before, they might refuse to carry out what sounds like complex and stressful work.

In view of that I would also ask the cardio team if having the dental work done prior to the pacemaker being fitted will be ok. It is stressful to have this dental work done

[Circular]

Based on my own experience I would not recommend having major dental work done the day after having a pacemaker fitted. The procedure is invasive and it takes time to recover. I was very shaky for at least a week after the procedure.

[Icenae in reply to Circular]

I totally agree with circular. I have had 3 pacemakers. Never left hospital on the day of insertion and every procedure I have had is more impactful than they predict in terms of recovery. Best wishes too you. Pacemaker procedures is Not to be feared but respected.

[Goldstar45]

Hi I had a device fitted and most certainly would not have wanted to be having dental work done the next day as the procedure left me feeling quite uncomfortable, I found that I was only comfortable sat In certain positions for a day or two.Hope your procedure goes well and you get it sorted 😀

[Hidden]

based on my experience too though it was for a CRTD I wouldn’t book a dental appointment for next day. Although mine was a straightforward procedure I get very sick after anything I have done which involves any sort of sedation or anaesthesia of any description so have to stay in the night. You also won’t be feeling the most comfortable you’ve ever felt as well. Just my opinion xx

[Botolph]

I had a pacemaker fitted last August and when I saw my dentist for a check up he said I needed a small tooth removing. He did say the tooth needed root canal treatment but he didn’t think it was worth it. However, removing the tooth is another matter and he said I’d have to wait a year from when I had the pacemaker fitted. So…three months to go. Not sure why a year is necessary and I didn’t question it. Does anyone else know?

[CrofterG]

Personally I would cancel the dental appt there can be last minute glitches in things as in my case I had the ICD fitted had my x-ray and was wheeled back to the ward to be met by the cardiologist who told me the wire had dropped off and I needed to go back in the following day to get a longer wire fitted

[Slidingdoors99]

Oh my goodness. Poor you. I would be kind to myself and definitely not have a root canal the day after!

If possible, I think that I would try to have it done before. I’m sure your dentist would be understanding if you explained?

[Artlover123]

To be honest I wouldn’t have wanted all that dental work done the day after my pacemaker was fitted. I was sore in the wound and shoulder area. You’re advised not to use the arm the side of the procedure too much til the wound heals and restrict raising above shoulder for 6 weeks. The dentist and dental nurse are leaning over you etc and I’d feel vulnerable in that situation. I found the procedure a bigger process than when the Dr explained ‘ it’s just slipped in under the skin’ , yes that’s true, but it’s still minor surgery. I was v tired for a couple of days afterwards, stress and anxiety probably. I hardly ever think about it now. Good luck.

[Qualipop]

Personally I'd want the dental work done well before the pacemaker because of the risk of infection. I would phone the dentist and see if they can shuffle appointments around a week or two before. They may have someone who's willing to swap.

[Taviterry]

You certainly need to discuss your situation beforehand with your dentist, who would need to be told anyway. Before my TAVI mine was very accommodating in giving me my routine check six weeks early.

[Enwaua]

I had an infection after my pacemaker was fitted and so I would play safe and

[Enwaua]

sorry I pressed the the wrong button and will continue with …….delay your dental appointment.

[Skertchly]

go ahead pacemaker won’t effect teeth op. I’ve done it. There are a couple of drugs you may have to drop for a day or two. Especially blood thinners.