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Dental News
People who get dental surgery have a higher risk of developing a heart attack or stroke for a few weeks after the procedure, British researchers have revealed in an article published in the peer-reviewed journal Annals of Internal Medicine, which is published by the American College of Physicians.
However, this elevated risk no longer exists after six months. The authors explain that periodontal disease treatment may in the long-term lower cardiovascular risk.
Why This May Occur
Invasive dental procedures, such as having a tooth taken out, could cause inflammation and allow bacteria to get into the bloodstream, which may explain the extra risk. However, the overall chance of problems was fairly small, and dropped back to normal within six months.
The researchers looked at data from Medicaid-based insurance claims, which included 1,152 people who’d had a heart attack or stroke, and who’d also had invasive dental work. After adjusting the figures to take into account people’s ages, the researchers worked out that the risk of a heart attack or stroke in the month after dental surgery was one-and-a-half times the person’s normal risk.
WebMD Recommendations
The British version of the medical device website -WebMD Boots- points out that the above study was done using medical records which don't take into account if any of the people whose medical records reviews were taking aspirin at the time of the dental surgery. Aspirin can prevent heart problems or strokes by making blood clots less likely, but it can also increase the risk of bleeding. Some dentists ask people to stop taking aspirin before dental surgery, to prevent problems with bleeding. So if your dentist suggests stopping aspirin or a similar drug before dental surgery, check that it really is essential. In addition, get regular dental check-ups, brush your teeth, and avoid sugary foods and drinks, to help prevent the need for dental surgery.
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Thursday, October 21, 2010
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After adjusting the figures to take into account people’s ages, the researchers worked out that the risk of a heart attack or stroke in the month after dental surgery was one-and-a-half times the person’s normal risk.
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