Dental Implants after AVR

[johncrees]

Hi, I had a tissue AVR in 2017 with a mild leak following OHS.

In January 2022 I had a Paravalular leak closed.

I have just been signed off by my Cardiologist following an echocardiogram as she is happy with the results.

My question is has anyone else had Dental Implant Surgery following having AVR?

Obviously there is a risk of infection to the bi-prosthesis valve from endocarditis . How did you justify going ahead with implant surgery?

Thanks in advance

[Letsallhope1]

good morning,

I’ve got congenital heart disease, lived 49 years in and out of hospital and had 4 open heart surgeries.

I’ve never been given restrictions on what I can or cannot do in terms of dental procedure.

The only thing I’ve always been drilled in my head by different cardiology teams is to look after my teeth/gums and for any type of procedure (even trip to the hygienist) is to have antibiotic cover.

In any case, as I’m not sure what is involved in the implant surgery, I’d strongly advice to contact the hospital where you had your heart surgery, as they know your case, and ask.

Possibly you’ll need to speak to the cardiac nurse first but they should be able to pass on the question to your consultant.

That’s what I would do 🙂

Good luck!

[johncrees in reply to Letsallhope1]

Letsallhope1

Thank you for your reply, I understand the need for antibiotics before dental treatment, and I know all dental treatments carry some risks.

I will speak with the cardiac nurse.

Best Regards

John

[TMeditation]

I’ve had a lot of dental work post-AVR and always take my antibiotics. My heart surgeon absolutely insisted I take antibiotics and my dental surgeon agreed. Don’t take any risks, look after yourself and your valve. Good luck! Sue

[johncrees]

Hi Sue,

Thanks for your reply, and I agree with all your comments especially about looking after the heart valve.

Best Regards

John

[Hidden]

Hi Johncrees

Yes, antibiotics are now required by my dentist even for a hygienist visit.

He contacted my cardiologist and discussed the preferred medication. I’m then given a prescription to take before my visits.

I had my AVR OHS in January 2021 and I’m doing very well. I’m so glad that you had a good result too. Its no small thing that we have been through, and to protect that ❤️ from further serious damage…..well, its a yes from me!

Good luck with your implants.

Maisie

[johncrees in reply to Hidden]

Hi UnderMilkWood,

Really pleased to hear you are doing well following your AVR and you are taking care to ensure your heart remains in top top condition.

I certainly will be asking for antibiotics pre any dental treatment for sure.

Best Regards

John

[BicuspidBloke]

I had AVR via OHS in August 2022. In Mar 2021 I had a tooth out and over the next thirteen months(!!!) had various prep treatments for the implant. Given how much I bled I won't be having any further implants. I was never a huge bleeder with dental work but was during this - I presume Mar 2021 to Mar 2022 was because the heart wasn't working properly. And Apr 2022 would be the Aspirin (bled for five days straight after the final implant). Now I'm post-op and on Ticagrelor it would only be worse for me. I've never hern told about antibiotics so that's very useful advice; thanks all.

[johncrees in reply to BicuspidBloke]

I hope all goes well with your new valve.

I was on Ticagrelor for 3 years following a heart attack after my AVR and have now just been signed off from Royal Papworth 5 years after my AVR surgery, so hence the desire to have implants.

All the best

John