Heart attack (myocardial infarction) -- Wait a
minimum of six months after a heart attack before undergoing any
dental treatments. Tell your dentist if you are taking
anticoagulants (blood-thinning drugs). These medicines could result
in excessive bleeding during some oral surgery procedures. Ask your
dentist if oxygen and nitroglycerin are available in case a medical
emergency should arise during your office visit.
High blood pressure (hypertension) -- Some
antihypertensive medicines can cause dry mouth or alter your sense
of taste. Calcium channel blockers in particular can cause the gum
tissue to swell and overgrow, resulting in chewing difficulties. If
you do experience gum overgrowth, your dentist will give you
detailed oral hygiene instructions and might ask you to make more
frequent dental visits for cleanings. In some cases, gum surgery
might be required. (A gingivectomy is the name of the surgical
procedure performed to remove excess gum tissue.) Excessive gum
tissue is removed with a scalpel, electrosurgery unit, laser, or
with diamond dental burs. If your dental procedure requires the use
of anesthesia, ask your dentist if the anesthesia contains
epinephrine. Epinephrine is a common additive in local anesthesia
products. Use of epinephrine in some patients with hypertension
might result in cardiovascular changes -- including the rapid
development of dangerously high blood pressure, angina, heart
attack, and arrhythmias -- and therefore should be used with
caution.
Angina -- Patients with angina treated with calcium
cannel blockers might experience gum overgrowth. In some cases, gum
surgery might be required. Like patients with previous heart
attacks, patients with angina might want to ask their dentists if
oxygen and nitroglycerin are available in case a medical emergency
should arise. While patients with stable angina can undergo any
dental procedure, patients with unstable angina should not
undergo elective (non-essential) dental procedures, and emergency
dental care should be performed in a hospital or office equipped
with cardiac monitoring capability.
Stroke -- Tell your dentist if you are taking
anticoagulants (blood-thinning drugs). These medicines could result
in excessive bleeding during some oral surgery procedures. If your
stroke has resulted in an inability to produce an adequate amount
of saliva, your dentist might recommend the use of artificial
saliva. If your stroke has affected your face, tongue, or dominant
hand and arm, your dentist might also recommend use of fluoride
gels, modified brushing or flossing techniques, and strategies you
can use to assist you in maintaining good oral hygiene.
Heart failure -- Some medicines used to treat heart
failure (such as diuretics) can cause dry mouth.