dentist visit

I have an icd and I'm going to the dentist on monday. Anyone know if there is anything at a dentist office you have to be concerned about i.e. xrays , tools ect. any info would be appreciated.


6 Comments

antibiotics?

by Blueaustralia - 2008-03-29 08:03:13

Do you have to be covered with antibiotics for any invasive treatment?

dental visit

by zapper - 2008-03-29 08:03:21

I'm not sure what I'm going to be getting into yet. Judging by the off and on nerve pain I'm getting I can be pretty sure there will be some work involved. I'm on sotolol which shouldn't be an issue for antibiotic if needed.

Dentist issues

by ElectricFrank - 2008-03-30 01:03:15

I have a pacemaker (not icd) and haven't had any problems at the dentist. The only problem I have had is the dentist or assistant resting an elbow on the pacer site. I mentioned that to him and we talked about other equipment. The only items I know of that might have an electrical field around them would be the xray and a blue light device he uses to cure the composite fillings. I told him to go ahead and I would let him know if I felt anything unusual.
I just realized that while all that would happen with my pacer is a few odd beats, the same thing might fire an ICD. The problem here would be having you jump while he has a rotating drill in your mouth.
I would talk it over with him.

frank

Bucky doctor

by mo-dixie - 2008-03-30 01:03:21

I am a long suffering visitor to dentist. The one bit of advice is to be sure they do not use any deadening agent that ends in...Cain, such as lidocain as it raises heart rates. Also any cautering device to seal blood vessels to stop bleeding. Back in 1994 when I got ICD, not much was known about them. My local dentist sent me to a specialist for a root canal. X-rays showed I needed work done but when they found out I had ICD, that fulffy little dental tech snatched the metal things she had in my mouth and left the room. They then decided that I didn't NEED a root canal and sent me from office. My local dentist is family friend, who loves to give me a hard time-----If it begins to hurt too much, I give out a little moan and i can clear the room. I now use only nitros oxide mask, and hey, I don't care what they do. just make sure your dentist is aware of your meds, your ICD, and they will be very careful-for their safety and yours! Good luck
Mo. Dixie

Dentist

by pacergirl - 2008-03-30 11:03:31

Hi,
I have a pacemaker and have had it 3 years. I recently had to have a root canal performed on one of my back upper teeth. The dentist knew about my heart issues. I was numbed up and placed in the position that lowered my head to a position that was almost like being on a tilt table. I sent my heart rate into the upper 190s. I was very scared. My dentist.... let me calm down for a few minutes and my HR evened out to a manageable level. The Doc didn't waste any time working on me and let me up as soon as he could. he continually asked me how I was doing. Great dentist! Get a specialist and perhaps one close to a hospital. Our hosp. was across the street! Thank goodness for that.
P.S. My tooth feels just fine now.
Good luck, Pacergirl

dental

by fox30 - 2019-04-21 11:23:34

Here is a recently updated set of recommendations from the American Dental Association.https://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/cardiac-implanted-devices-and-electronic-dentalg

One thing that should definitely not be used is a mono-polar cautery device.

You know you're wired when...

Your ICD has a better memory than you.

Member Quotes

At age 20, I will be getting a pacemaker in few weeks along with an SA node ablation. This opportunity may change a five year prognosis into a normal life span! I look forward to being a little old lady with a wicked cane!