Heart Conditions

Recent Heart Attack or Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

During the first six months following coronary artery bypass surgery, heart attack or stroke, only emergency oral surgery care for control of pain and/or infection is acceptable. All elective oral surgery procedures should be deferred for at least six months following a heart attack or coronary artery bypass surgery.

Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure can be caused by a number of conditions, such as, high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease or heart damage. Regardless of the cause, this condition must be stabilized prior to elective oral surgery. Unstable or poorly compensated congestive heart failure may be indicated by any of the following: shortness of breath, swelling of ankles or extremities, and/or generalized weakness.

When stabilized with medication, outpatient oral surgery and dental implant procedures may be safely and comfortably tolerated.

Most patients suffering from heart conditions and/or high blood pressure are best managed using a combination of intravenous sedation and local anesthesia. This method of management lowers blood pressure, reduces cardiac stress, and improves coronary blood flow.