Letter for dental work after AVR Op

[Bumpitybump]

My dentist has asked me to get a letter from cardiology saying that I am fit for treatment once I have had a AVR. Does anyone know if this is a standard requirement please? I don't want to chase anything up from the very over stretched cardiology department unless it is essential.

[Rhinos67]

I wasn't asked for that but I was given a card by the nurse led valve clinic to confirm that I need antibiotic cover prior to any treatment. This is to protect against endocarditis.Do you have a valve nurse? If so contact them rather than your Cardiologist or surgeon

Joanne

[Bumpitybump in reply to Rhinos67]

Thank you for this. Not got a valve nurse as yet, hopefully will all arrive after the post Op.

[Traveldreams]

I was asked but also had a card given upon discharge from hospital.

[Bumpitybump in reply to Traveldreams]

Good to know, thank you.

[Survivor1952]

Not been asked. I specifically asked about dental treatment before discharge from hospital as I had a routine clean and polish booked four weeks post op. Told just to go ahead, no precautions needed.

[Bumpitybump in reply to Survivor1952]

Thank you!

[Gillph]

I've been asked for the same. It's to prevent a bacteria from the dental treatment nipping down the blood stream to your heart and causing chaos possibly.

[Bumpitybump in reply to Gillph]

Thank you, I do get that about pre Op but was surprised for post Op.

[Gillph in reply to Bumpitybump]

So was I but apparently it's a life thing about these dental bacteria.

[Classof1988 in reply to Gillph]

Yes it is. Also if on Warfarin and facing an extraction you will need an up to date INR reading to ensure you won't have problems with post extraction bleeding. Having had quite a few extractions I have never had bleeding problems.

[Bumpitybump in reply to Classof1988]

Thank you, my Dad was on warfarin for years so I get the INR bit. Likely to be a tissue valve so hopefully no warfarin required for me, we will see.

[Coper10]

I have a mechanical heart valve and had read that prophylactic antibiotics are needed before certain dental treatments to reduce risk of endocarditis. This hadn't been mentioned in hospital.My dentist was reluctant to prescribe this without a letter stating this with my name on, due to the quantity. I contacted my surgeon's secretary about this, and was sent a letter confirming the need to do so (with a copy for my GP ), whereupon the dentist was happy to do the prescription.

[Bumpitybump in reply to Coper10]

Brilliant info, thank you. Maybe which valve you have makes a difference too?

[DinoCat in reply to Bumpitybump]

I had a Tissue replacement (Aortic) valve & received a similar letter from my operating hospital advising the (precautionary) use of relevant antibiotics immediately prior to any 'high risk' dental procedures (which includes de-scaling, manipulation of gums etc, not just more intrusive dental work). Until recently my GP prescribed the relevant Med, but now seems reluctant, so my dentist prescribed instead. I always make sure I have a course of antibiotics in hand, in case of any dental emergencies. Incidentally, I was also advised to have 6-monthly dental check-ups post-AVR (previously was annual only)

[Vms49]

I was given a card in hospital to show dentists and doctors if I need any treatment or teeth cleaning advises antibiotics .

[Bumpitybump in reply to Vms49]

That sounds a great system, thank you for sharing.

[Avagra]

Hi I’ve had to get a letter from my cardiologist for the clinic to do my cataract surgery so it must be the norm.

[Bumpitybump in reply to Avagra]

Thank you! Best of luck with cataract procedure

[tangotese]

webmd.com/oral-health/endoc...

Might help

[Bumpitybump in reply to tangotese]

Really useful, thank you!

[tangotese in reply to Bumpitybump]

Welcome

[tangotese]

Also this, via Googleleedscongenitalhearts.com/s...