Is it OK to have a tooth extracted 1 week before triple bypass Op

[WorriedWife24]

Does anyone have any experience of dental problems before CABG My husband is due to have triple bypass surgery on 2 October. He at last managed to get a dentists appointment yesterday and was told he needed one tooth removed. It is not infected just loose and the dentist is concerned both about possible infection and closeness of operation. We rang cardio dept. our cardio nurse was not available but we were told it was OK to go ahead. My research says not. Really worried about possible cancellation of op.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

If he does not have it removed he will not be having CABG surgery. A friend's 75 y.o. wife had been admitted for surgery the next morning. The anesthetist came around and looked in her mouth, and then told her she needed to have two loose teeth removed before surgery could go ahead. The reason is if the tooth falls out and goes into the lungs during surgery it could be curtains. Also it after extraction anti-biotics are needed there has to be a two week gap between finishing the course and surgery (that was the rule where I had surgery).

Your husband needs to get that tooth out ASAP and contact cardiology. If he has it out in the next few days and there are no issues everything should go ahead. My dentist had to sign a "clear for surgery" form stating no loose teeth, no unstable crowns, no infections, no major fillings needed etc. Good luck!

[WorriedWife24 in reply to MichaelJH]

Thank you so much really helpful.

[fishonabike]

I support what MichaelJH says but would also suggest that you try calling the Brit. Heart Foundation helpline on Monday to check (number on their website)

[WorriedWife24 in reply to fishonabike]

Thank you, will do as you suggest

[Driver11]

My advice is the heart op comes first and the tooth can wait

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Driver11]

As I have said it is extremely unlikely the tooth can wait. My friend's wife was discharged after admission because of two loose teeth and Thonglor has replied he experienced the same.

[Thonglor]

I was in exactly the same situation, although at hospital in Asia. Before my operation, I was referred to the dental unit at the hospital for check. One tooth discovered to be a bit loose. Insisted on extraction before they would go ahead with the surgery. Reason given was that there was a chance of infection getting in via the loose tooth.

Please be happy that this is your husband's only dental issue. Otherwise, there might be a much longer wait, while they are resolved first.

Very good luck for your husband, but as others have said, it is amazing (to me) but this type of operation sounds so frightening yet has such a high success rate.

[WorriedWife24]

Thank you so much. It does make sense to go ahead. Can I ask if, after extraction, there was a specific period of time before surgery could be done. Thank you for your kind words they do help in times like this.

[Warm-heart]

Infection in the tooth & gum can enter the bloodstream and go to the heart so that will be one reason for concern by dentist and cardiology. Best dealt with beforehand for sure, and antibiotics to cover will be required.... even if no obvious dental infection. I am required to have antibiotic cover each time I get hygienist work done or a filling etc, and especially pre op, and like someone else said the dentist has to sign to say 'all ok' pre surgery.

[WorriedWife24]

Thank you for replying. I am now convinced the tooth should be removed but still have this problem with it being only one week before the Op. I have read on one UK hospital site dental work must be 8 weeks before Op. When, at the pre admission meeting, we asked the surgeon's registrar if my husband should have a dental check up he said only if he was having pain. No mention of a note from the dentist.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Good luck in navigating the dentist, the GP and cardiology team in the morning. Antibiotic prophylaxis (to prevent socket and subsequent heart infection) may be given either/and/or the day before/of/after the extraction and is worth mentioning to the healthcare professionals.

[WorriedWife24]

That is so useful, thank you. I will certainly mention it to the dentist. GPs won't have anything to do with dental problems so no good asking them.

[JoziSA]

I would speak to the cardiologist or a member of his team first. I personally would not take a chance as they may give you blood thinners after the operation. They would know best as the tooth might be a risk of falling out when you are asleep.