Re: question regarding dental work-some answers....

[Guest guest]

Hi There;

I have had to take antibiotics for a my heart because of bacterial infections to the heart. NOT everyone needs to take antibiotics - for example if your problem is only electrical... Mine is physical as well as electrical. When I have gone to the dentist I have had root canals, fillings etc. When I have my teeth cleaned, I pass on the cavatron and ask them to do it the old fashioned way -- I prefer that and so does my dentist. I do NOT let them give me epinephrine (sp?) - that makes your your heart race - scares the hec out of me so I have had them put on my chart "NO EPI". I just have Novocain and most of the time they have to give me more than one injection as it wears off quicker...

I have also called the manufacturer of my unit and asked them about the dentist -- Medtronic told me there is nothing in the dental office that can hurt me... But I still pass on the cavatron....

Think about this one -- my dentist is left handed and works over my ICD - talk about anxiety!! But I stay calm and know the machine is several feet away from unit.

I have never heard that they would not work on you because of the medications you take -- but then I don't take the meds you do...

I hope some of this has helped....

Good luck to you, guin

question regarding dental work

I have major dental work that needs to be done and a dentist in my area said that he would not feel safe working on me. I wanted sedation but he says the med, even the "cains" in the shots could intefere with the meds I take. He says the safest place for me is at a university dental school. Has any one else had this problem? I have not had an episode in about 3 years. I take amiodarone, metaprolol and others.Please visit the Zapper homepage athttp://www.ZapLife.org

[Guest guest]

My heart problem is electrical only, (Not mechanical) and if your problem is electrical only it is also important to take antibiotics prior to any dental treatment that could potentially cause bleeding.

This will prevent the possibility of bacterial infections.

Anyone who has an ICD should take antibiotics before there Dentist appointment.

Regards,

Dave in Maine

question regarding dental work

I have major dental work that needs to be done and a dentist in my area said that he would not feel safe working on me. I wanted sedation but he says the med, even the "cains" in the shots could intefere with the meds I take. He says the safest place for me is at a university dental school. Has any one else had this problem? I have not had an episode in about 3 years. I take amiodarone, metaprolol and others.Please visit the Zapper homepage athttp://www.ZapLife.org Please visit the Zapper homepage athttp://www.ZapLife.org

[Guest guest]

Red - I tend to agree with you regarding antibiotics - I will always take them no matter what - even for a bee sting - let alone any kind of surgery. However, I know many ICDers who's Docs don't recommend antibiotics for electrical problems. I too thought any one with any foreign matter in their body should take antibiotics, but that does not seem to be the case. To me it is better to take the antibiotics - I always request them even when the Doc tell me I don't need them. I find I get more easily infected since the ICD implant. I wish there was more continuity regarding this subject...

~guin

My heart problem is electrical only, (Not mechanical) and if your problem is electrical only it is also important to take antibiotics prior to any dental treatment that could potentially cause bleeding.

This will prevent the possibility of bacterial infections.

Anyone who has an ICD should take antibiotics before there Dentist appointment.

Regards,

Dave in Maine

question regarding dental work

I have major dental work that needs to be done and a dentist in my area said that he would not feel safe working on me. I wanted sedation but he says the med, even the "cains" in the shots could intefere with the meds I take. He says the safest place for me is at a university dental school. Has any one else had this problem? I have not had an episode in about 3 years. I take amiodarone, metaprolol and others.Please visit the Zapper homepage athttp://www.ZapLife.org Please visit the Zapper homepage athttp://www.ZapLife.org Please visit the Zapper homepage athttp://www.ZapLife.org

[Guest guest]

Hi again Guin,

I am by no means an expert on this issue.

My mom is a dental hygienist and she and my dr told me I have to take antibiotics before I go to the dentist. So, I listen to them..lol...

What the exact guidelines are, I am not sure ?

I guess it is better to be safe than sorry.

Hope all going well with you and have a great 4th of July weekend !

Dave in Maine

question regarding dental work

I have major dental work that needs to be done and a dentist in my area said that he would not feel safe working on me. I wanted sedation but he says the med, even the "cains" in the shots could intefere with the meds I take. He says the safest place for me is at a university dental school. Has any one else had this problem? I have not had an episode in about 3 years. I take amiodarone, metaprolol and others.Please visit the Zapper homepage athttp://www.ZapLife.org Please visit the Zapper homepage athttp://www.ZapLife.org Please visit the Zapper homepage athttp://www.ZapLife.org Please visit the Zapper homepage athttp://www.ZapLife.org

[Guest guest]

I agree whole heartedly (pun intended), but as I said I know ICDers who's Docs say they don't need antibiotics! My Mom takes them for the metal in her back... go figure.

~guin

P.S. Happy 4th to you - our girls will be taking their lambs to Fair today - so there will be lots of work to do on the 4th for us! Market Show on the 5th!

Hi again Guin,

I am by no means an expert on this issue.

My mom is a dental hygienist and she and my dr told me I have to take antibiotics before I go to the dentist. So, I listen to them..lol...

What the exact guidelines are, I am not sure ?

I guess it is better to be safe than sorry.

Hope all going well with you and have a great 4th of July weekend !

Dave in Maine

question regarding dental work

I have major dental work that needs to be done and a dentist in my area said that he would not feel safe working on me. I wanted sedation but he says the med, even the "cains" in the shots could intefere with the meds I take. He says the safest place for me is at a university dental school. Has any one else had this problem? I have not had an episode in about 3 years. I take amiodarone, metaprolol and others.Please visit the Zapper homepage athttp://www.ZapLife.org Please visit the Zapper homepage athttp://www.ZapLife.org Please visit the Zapper homepage athttp://www.ZapLife.org Please visit the Zapper homepage athttp://www.ZapLife.org Please visit the Zapper homepage athttp://www.ZapLife.org