Heart Injury Due To Dental Treatment

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in America. I in every 4 adults will die from it every year. Infective endocarditis is an infection of the heart that can lead to death. Dental treatment can cause infective endocarditis. Antibiotic prophylaxis maybe required prior to having dental treatment done to avoid infective enodcarditis from occurring.

For infective endocarditis prophylaxis, 2007 guidelines by the American Heart Association, written with input from the ADA and approved by the CSA as they relate to dentistry in 2008 support premedication for a smaller group of patients than previous versions. This change was based on a review of scientific evidence, which showed that the risk of adverse reactions to antibiotics generally outweigh the benefits of prophylaxis for many patients who would have been considered eligible for prophylaxis in previous versions of the guidelines. Concern about the development of drug-resistant bacteria also was a factor.

Heart Attacks During Dental Procedures

Infective endocarditis prophylaxis for dental procedures should be recommended only for patients with underlying cardiac conditions associated with the highest risk of adverse outcome from infective endocarditis . For patients with these underlying cardiac conditions, prophylaxis is recommended for all dental procedures that involve manipulation of gingival tissue or the periapical region of teeth or perforation of the oral mucosa.

When you visit your dentist it is necessary that you inform him of any heart or cardiac condition you may have. The health questionnaire form dental offices request their patients fill out should include a question regarding heart disease. Clearance from your cardiologist maybe required before having a dental work performed.

If you or someone you know had heart problems after having dental treatment, it is imperative you call Brendan F. Mulligan, D.M.D, Esquire, the dental malpractice attorney.