Dentistry following open heart surgery

[Reuben52]

AVR and double bypass on 26 February 2020. Things going pretty well after initial lung problem.

Finally managed to get a dental appointment: the good news is that there is no immediate need for remedial treatment, the bad news is that the Cardiac unit has not responded to my dentist’s letter to them concerning future treatment. Apparently, this may need provision of antibiotics and until she gets clearance, she is not happy to proceed with hygienist procedures.

This was a few weeks ago and she promised to write again and get in touch when a reply is received. I haven’t heard anything yet so I was wondering what other people’s experience of this has been like, before I try contacting the Bristol Heart Institute directly.

[Jay777]

I was told by the hospital pharmacist that post AVR I would always need to have antibiotics prior to any dental treatment that might cause bleeding to avoid endocarditis.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

This is a link to current guidelines so you need antibiotic prophylaxis before some treatments:

bjgp.org/content/66/650/460.3

Under previous guidelines as a diabetic and bypass patient I would have had antibiotics before treatment. Last year I had a tooth out without antibiotic prophylaxis and a week later needed a week's course of antibiotics! 🤔

[Reuben52 in reply to MichaelJH]

Many thanks: will refer this to my dentist.