Pacemakers and Dental Health: 6 Effective Preventive Measures

Pacemakers and Dental Health

Cardiac pacemakers are vital devices for people with heart problems as they help maintain a healthy heart rhythm. However, these devices are sensitive to electromagnetic signals, including some generated by dental equipment. In this article, we will explore how to care for a cardiac pacemaker during a dental visit, ensuring patient safety. Although newer-generation pacemakers offer better protection, it is essential to take extra precautions in the dental office. In addition, we will see the relationship between dental health and cardiovascular diseases, highlighting the importance of oral care.

The Importance of Dental Health

Dental health is a crucial component of overall health. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, there is a close relationship between oral health and cardiovascular diseases. This means that proper dental care can have a significant impact on heart health. Therefore, people with cardiac pacemakers must pay special attention to their oral health.

Patients with Pacemakers and Dental Health

Before undergoing any dental procedure, inform your dentist about any previous surgery or heart problems. This will allow the dentist to take the necessary steps to ensure a safe and hassle-free experience. Communicating the presence of a pacemaker will avoid any electromagnetic interference that may arise during treatment.

Dental Equipment that can Interfere with Pacemakers

Some dental equipment can affect the activity of a cardiac pacemaker. Below, we will identify the most commonly used equipment that could negatively interfere with it and provide guidelines for safe dental practice:

1. Ultrasound Scaler

An ultrasonic scaler is used in dental cleaning to remove calculus located under the gums. The American Academy of Periodontology recommends avoiding the use of magnetostrictive ultrasonic scalers in patients with cardiac pacemakers, as they may affect the patient’s cardiac health. Instead, your dentist will likely recommend performing the procedure manually, which takes more time but ensures the integrity of your health.

2. Electrosurgery Units

The use of electrosurgical equipment may cause interference with the normal operation of pacemakers. Therefore, it is suggested to avoid its use. Although these units are used to prevent bleeding during small incisions, other techniques can achieve the same result safely.

3. Light Curing Unit

There is evidence that this unit, which generates light to harden some materials in the dental office, can disrupt the functioning of pacemakers. Your dentist will evaluate the use of materials with other types of activation to ensure your safety.

Preventive Measures in the Dental Office and at Home

Patients with cardiac pacemakers are at increased risk of bleeding and infection in the dental office and are also prone to electromagnetic interference generated by dental devices. Dental professionals should consider the following precautions when treating these patients:

1. Information

People with cardiac pacemakers need to know vital information about their device – such as the manufacturer, model, serial number, date of implantation, and mode of operation – and share the information with their dentist. This will help the dentist better understand the situation and make informed decisions.

2. Interconsultation

Your dentist will likely request a consultation with your cardiologist to inform the specialist about the procedures to be performed and obtain special recommendations for successful treatment.

3. Instruments

For oral prophylaxis, your dentist may prefer to use hand-held instruments, although piezoelectric scalers have been documented to be safe as long as they are standardized equipment.

4. Protection

Your dentist may cover your pacemaker with a lead apron that will offer protection from electrical signals and, therefore, prevent potential interference.

5. Hygiene

The American Academy of Periodontology recommends performing dental hygiene only with manual toothbrushes. If you must use battery-powered toothbrushes, maintain a distance of at least 15 centimeters between the battery charging unit and the implanted device, and a distance of more than 2 centimeters between the toothbrush and the implanted device.

Conclusion

Caring for a cardiac pacemaker during a dental visit is essential to ensure patient safety. Communicating openly with the dentist, informing him or her about the pacemaker, and following recommended precautions are essential. The relationship between oral and cardiovascular health further highlights the importance of maintaining good dental health.