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Medical Considerations
There are many medical considerations that must be addressed when you come to the dentist. Below are just a few common conditions that may relate to you. Please take a moment to review these, and let us know if there are other concerns you have that we have not mentioned here.
ANTIBIOTIC PREMEDICATIONS
Often your physician will suggest premeditation before your dental appointment. Here are a few of the conditions that your physician may suggest premeditations for: Atrial Fibrillation, Mitral Valve Prolapse, Skeletal Joint Replacement Implants (artificial hip, knees, metal pins), Cardiac Stent Placement.
DIABETES
Diabetes can be a very difficult condition to treat. Your mouth may be one of the first places that diabetes is seen. If your mouth doesn't heal well or you have gum disease, we may ask you to go to your physician to be checked. If you do have diabetes, you must keep your tissues in your mouth very clean. We can discuss this condition with you at your next appointment.
PERIODONTAL DISEASE
Gum disease can be the cause of generalized health problems. When you have an infection in your mouth, this infection can travel through your blood stream and cause other parts of your body to become infected. The bacteria can lodge in your heart, or on artificial materials that have been surgically placed. If you have a bad odor, bleeding, or loose teeth, you need to see a dentist to treat this infection. The problem will only get worse.
SJOGREN'S DISEASE
This is an auto immune disease that causes dry mouth and dry eyes. When the natural saliva that bathes your teeth slows down, your teeth become more susceptible to decay. You need to keep your appointments for regular check up so that we can watch for any abnormal decay that may develop. While there is nothing that can be done to cure the disease, there are many products that we can prescribe to make you more comfortable.
OSTEOPEROSIS
Many individuals have been placed on medications to help slow down the loss of bone. Unfortunately, these medications have been implicated in causing osteonecrosis (bone death) in the jaw. FOSAMAX has been the major medication of concern. If you need to have any dental procedures or dental extractions, you may need to discontinue this therapy and consult your physician as to when it would be safe to proceed with your treatment.
DRUGS
There are many drugs that can cause your mouth to become dry and subsequently cause decay. Some tranquilizers, heart medications, and pain medicines can cause your mouth to produce less saliva. Over the counter decongestants can also cause this dryness to occur. Please keep up a good daily hygiene so that the risk of decay is less. Keep your routine appointments to insure your continued good dental health.
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