Dental Treatment after open heart surgery

[shebas]

Hi I am 7 months recovering from open heart surgery for a repair to my mitral and tricuspid valves. This morning one of my teeth started hurting when I was eating my breakfast. Now tonight the tooth feels a bit loose. My question is do I have to have antibiotics before any dental treatment and if so is it the Dentist who prescribes them. I have tried to get this information from the Internet but I find the information confusing. I am on medication including Edoxaban and dispersible aspirin.

[Blendfit]

My Husband had a mitral valve replacement 12 months ago and he has to take antibiotics before dental work and scale and polishes antibiotics were prescribed from dentist. My husband had to get clarification from his surgeon so would be worthwhile contacting yours for peace of mind .

[shebas in reply to Blendfit]

Thank you for replying. I will contact my cardiac nurse for some clarification. 🙂

[Tarsius in reply to Blendfit]

For most of my life I was told to get antibiotic cover before any dental work that breached the gum (due to a valve malformation) Five or ten years ago that guidance changed. Apparently the risk of leaving me with a population of antibiotic resistant bacteria is higher than the risk of an infection. After much more serious problems not from dental work) a couple of years ago, my cardiologists switched the advice back, and indeed when my dentist thought I needed an extraction i was sent to the dental hospital (where the consultant dental radiologist decided I didn’t actually need it). So it seemed like it really is a balancing act, and I would follow the current advice of your cardiologist.

[rubyred5051sew]

i have the same trouble after my heart surgary if i have a tooth out i must have antibiotics and have a yellow card to prove it . i was also told any dental work but now after 20 years they say only extractions , i have 3mg of amoxicilian powder half an hour before any work done from my doctor.hope this helps

[shebas in reply to rubyred5051sew]

Thank you for your reply. I have now spoken with a BHF cardiac nurse who advised antibiotics not now routinely given for dental work except for root canal, extractions or infection. It is left to the Dentist's discretion.

[rubyred5051sew in reply to shebas]

thank you , i do insist that i have antibiotics thats is why the doctors gives me the precription . i was also told that any extractions had to be done at hospital but they wont do it only route cannal work best of luck remember it is your heart not theirs

[jersey-jazz]

Good luck with your tooth! Please get antibiotics if it will give you peace of mind.

[shebas in reply to jersey-jazz]

Thank you I will. I have a dental appointment at 2.30pm today to discuss my problem tooth.