Heart disease can have an impact on dental treatment in a few different ways.
First, certain heart conditions can increase the risk of endocarditis, an infection of the inner lining of the heart. This condition can be caused by bacteria which enters the bloodstream during dental treatments such as a tooth extraction, scaling, and root canal. In order to reduce the risk of endocarditis, patients with certain heart conditions may need to take antibiotics prior to dental treatments.
Second, certain heart medications can lead to dry mouth, which can increase the risk of dental decay and gum disease. Patients taking heart medications should be sure to discuss their medications with their dentist and may need to take additional steps such as using a fluoride rinse or increasing their frequency of dental cleanings in order to reduce their risk of dental decay and gum disease.
Finally, certain heart conditions can lead to an increased risk of bleeding during dental treatments. This can be a particular concern for patients taking blood thinning medications, who may need to stop taking these medications prior to dental treatments.
In conclusion, heart disease can have an impact on dental treatment in a few different ways. Patients with heart conditions should always discuss their condition and medications with their dentist prior to treatment in order to reduce their risk of complications.