Albuquerque Dentist: Dental Care for Heart Patients

At Snow Park Dental, your Albuquerque family dentist, Dr. Mark Miller, strives to ensure the safety and well being of our patients. For patients with heart disease, this means following strict protocols for even the most routine dental procedures. In today’s blog, Dr. Miller discusses what information heart patients should disclose to Dr. Miller before undergoing any dental procedures.

Talk to Dr. Miller

Cardiac patients should always tell Dr. Miller the exact medications and dosages they are currently taking. This information influences what kind of anesthesia can be used, and whether patients should wait before proceeding with certain dental procedures. Patients should also give Dr. Miller the name and number of their cardiologist. In addition, Dr. Miller may require paperwork detailing the state of a patient’s heart health.

Premedication

Patients with congenital heart defects, artificial heart valves, a history of endocarditis, or are experiencing complications due to a transplant, may need to take premedication. When undergoing a cleaning or root canal, the bacteria levels in the bloodstream often elevate. For patients with certain heart conditions, the presence of these oral bacteria in the bloodstream can cause serious complications once they reach the heart. Always inform Dr. Miller of your heart issues before your visit.

Common Heart Conditions

A variety of heart disease-related conditions can necessitate unique dental care, including:

• Heart Attack: If a patient has endured a heart attack, he/she should wait at least six-months before undergoing any dental procedures. Patients should also alert Dr. Miller if they are taking blood thinners. Anticoagulants can lead to excessive bleeding during some procedures.
• Hypertension: Patients with high blood pressure should tell Dr. Miller. Certain anesthetics contain epinephrine, which could cause negative side effects for patients with hypertension, such as heart attack and chest pain.
• Angina: Often patients with angina, or chest pain, are prescribed calcium channel blockers. These medications can cause gum overgrowth, which Dr. Miller can correct with minor oral surgery.
• Heart Failure: Following heart failure, some patients are prescribed diuretics. As a result, many patients experience dry mouth. Saliva is necessary to cleanse the mouth of food particles and harmful bacteria. Without saliva, patients risk developing chronic bad breath and tooth decay. Tell Dr. Miller if you’re experiencing constant dry mouth.

Schedule an Appointment with Your Albuquerque Family Dentist

Do you have a heart condition and require dental care? Contact your family dentist today. Dr. Miller is happy to address any questions or concerns you may have. Visit our Albuquerque dentist office or call (505) 596-4479 to make an appointment. We serve patients from Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Edgewood, Corrales, Los Lumas, Tijeras, Mountain Air, Santa Fe, and Taos.

Share this Article