Bad teeth

[Arlejo]

I have rotten teeth & receding gums. I know they will have to be removed before ohs but will it be more dangerous?

[080311]

Hello Arlejo

As you know you have a dental check up before we have our open heart surgery especially if we are having a replacement valve. This is to make sure we have no plaque as this could hold lots of germs which would make it’s way to our new valve. I was told there are more germs in our mouths than in the rest of our body put together! They also want to check we have no lose teeth that could become detached when we are incubated. Having your dental work will be ok as long as your dentist is aware that you have a heart issue, and you inform them of any medication you take.

Before my surgery I had a tooth removed as it was chipped and had what they call a deep clean, which wasn’t very pleasant but it needed to be done.

Since my surgery Aortic valve replaced with a tissue one plus bypass I have been very concerned that I see the hygienist on a regular basis. Just to keep on top of the plaque.

I wish you lots of luck with your operation, and a great recovery. I am nearly 6 years down the heart mended road and grateful every day to the medical team that gave me my life back.

Best wishes Pauline

[Arlejo in reply to 080311]

Thank you for reply. Did you have antibiotics before extraction? I will have no teeth after extraction of last 7. Was worried about receding gums too.

[080311 in reply to Arlejo]

No antibiotics before surgery but just before Christmas I had to have a tooth out and had a course then. If you are having all your teeth removed then I can’t see the receding gums being a problem. I take it you will be having dentures made? So you won’t have the problem of plaque, it drives me nuts!

Pauline

[Thanksnhs]

Hi I had to get two crowns and two teeth removed before my surgery, my heart hospital has it's own dentist and I got it done there, apart from the upset of having to get them out in the first place the procedure itself went fine. I didn't take antibiotics, since then I had a broken tooth and a new crown put in, once again everything was fine. Wishing you well with your surgery keep us posted on how you get on, take care char

[Arlejo in reply to Thanksnhs]

Thanks for replying, just so scared of something going wrong!

[Thanksnhs in reply to Arlejo]

That's understandable I was quite shocked when I was told it had to be done, in fact I burst into tears there and then, but as I said everything went well with the dentist, things have moved on so much since I was young , my surgery was also very successful char

[Deserrol]

I didn't have a dental check or indeed any mention of dental work before my x4 CABG last year... Am I missing something?

[080311 in reply to Deserrol]

It seems that dental checks needed if you are having replacement valves.

Pauline

[Arlejo]

I've read a lot of people having to get dental clearance before surgery. My appointment for hospital came with form for dentist to fill in. Dont know if it depends on surgeon.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

I had to have some teeth out befire my quadruple bypass but the dentist referred me to a dental hospital. They said antibiotics were unnecessary but a week later I was prescribed them as one socket got infected. You don't say how many teeth have to be extracted in total but if it is into double figures a dental hospital with potentially an overnight stay may be appropriate.