Had a pacemaker put in about 5 weeks ago. Am due to go to dentist for
cleaning, soon. Do I need antibiotics, before visit?
I plan to ask my cardio dr., but he is on vacation. Will appreciate any
replies. e-mail welcome
M.Hoff
Mark & Steven Bornfeld - 18 Jan 2007 15:51 GMT
> Had a pacemaker put in about 5 weeks ago. Am due to go to dentist for
> cleaning, soon. Do I need antibiotics, before visit?
> I plan to ask my cardio dr., but he is on vacation. Will appreciate any
> replies. e-mail welcome
> M.Hoff
Good idea to check with your cardiologist. Having said that, I've had
patients with pacemakers whom I was told needed no special precautions.
This was for a simple arrhythmia (bradycardia). You may of course have
other cardiac issues that may require premedication, so you should check.
Steve

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Mark & Steven Bornfeld DDS
http://www.dentaltwins.com
Brooklyn, NY
718-258-5001
John & Ninetta - 19 Jan 2007 01:41 GMT
Having a pacemaker alone is considered to be in the "Negligible Risk
Category" and no antibiotic prophylaxis is required:
www.ada.org/prof/resources/pubs/jada/reports/report_endocarditis01.pdf
However, as Dr. Steve said, if you have other coexisting cardiac issues,
this may change.
J Suljak DDS
Alexander Vasserman DDS - 19 Jan 2007 02:32 GMT
basically if you have a heart defect or heart prosthesis such as a
valve that can cause turbulence of blood within the heart itself you
need to have antibiotics.
heart bypass are generally on vessels outside the heart feeding it,
inside the heart means all the valves chambers etc.. that can pick up
stray bacteria and allow it to grow on these defects. Since you are not
sure the reason for the pacemaker you need to check with your
cardiologist. If he is unavailable then better safe than sorry and get
the pre-med or change your appointment.
> Had a pacemaker put in about 5 weeks ago. Am due to go to dentist for
> cleaning, soon. Do I need antibiotics, before visit?
> I plan to ask my cardio dr., but he is on vacation. Will appreciate any
> replies. e-mail welcome
> M.Hoff
M. Hoff - 19 Jan 2007 03:21 GMT
Thanks to all who have replied to my question of needing antibiotics
with my pacemaker. I think I will take some, as it can't hurt...and I
can't reach the cardio Dr. before Tuesday. You have all been so helpful,
in your reponses.
M.Hoff
christopher.sing@gmail.com - 19 Jan 2007 06:02 GMT
Guidelines for prophylaxis can be found on the AHA website.
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=11086
Chris.
> Thanks to all who have replied to my question of needing antibiotics
> with my pacemaker. I think I will take some, as it can't hurt...and I
> can't reach the cardio Dr. before Tuesday. You have all been so helpful,
> in your reponses.
> M.Hoff