Brea, CA -- (SBWire) -- 03/05/2014 --New study shows that the risk of tooth extraction before heart surgery is higher than what was thought by the healthcare professionals. This was announced by Dr. Kendra Grim, an anesthesiologist in Mayo Clinic.
She said, "We are always concerned with improving safety, and pulling infected teeth before heart surgery seemed to be the safer intervention. But we became interested in studying this complex patient group, as many patients that come to the operating room for dental surgery just before heart surgery are quite ill."
This fact is linked to the prosthetic heart valve-related endocarditis that contributes to about one-fourth of infective endocarditis cases and accounts to 38 percent of mortality rate. This prompts all physicians to focus on the risk factors involving the management of the condition, including pre-surgery preventive measures such as poor dental health. Tooth extraction is one of the preventive measures most physicians recommend but medical guidelines acknowledged lack of evidence of its safety.
The study was designed to evaluate the adverse outcome of pre-cardiac surgery dental extractions. The 205 participants were Mayo Clinic patients who had tooth extraction before cardiac surgery. The results show that 3 percent of the patients died in the period of tooth extraction and cardiac procedure. Another six patients were hospitalized and ten had adverse health effects after the surgery. Moreover, 14 patients had delayed cardiac surgery due to unexpected complications.
Dr. Grim says, “"We hope this study sparks future discussion and research. In the meantime, we recommend an individualized approach for these patients, to weigh their particular risk and benefit of a dental procedure before cardiac surgery with the information we have currently available."
This latest findings suggest careful ways to do tooth extraction among dental health practitioners. Proper diagnosis and evaluation have to be carefully initiated to reduce serious health risks, especially among patients who are suffering from heart disease. Good thing Dr. Grant Burdick of Designed Smiles has established a good reputation on this field.
About Dr. Grant Burdick, DDS
Dr. Grant Burdick, DDS. has maintained private practice in the Brea and La Habra area for over 25 years, offering premier family and cosmetic dentistry to all of Orange County, including: Anaheim, Whittier, La Habra, Fullerton, Yorba Linda, and Brea. With friendly, knowledgeable staff and cutting-edge dental treatments, Designed Smiles dentist, Dr. Burdick can help you achieve a glowing smile. To know more, visit http://www.designedsmiles.com/.
Findings Suggest Poor Outcomes with Dental Extraction Before Cardiac Surgery