Why is it important to communicate recent surgical history with your dentist?

It is imperative that patients communicate any recent surgical procedures with the dental health team.

If you have undergone a recent medical procedure or surgery your physician may want you to wait a certain amount of time prior to seeking dental care.  During dental procedures instruments are used that may cause bleeding and mobilization of bacteria.  Post operatively you may be vulnerable to infection.   In order to protect you against the possibility of complications an antibiotic regimen may be prescribed for all dental appointments in the future.  This is especially true for joint replacement, spine or neck surgery (especially fusion), organ transplant, and renal shunt procedures.  Specific cardiac conditions included on this list are prosthetic valves, history of endocarditis, and some congenital heart disease.  In addition to antibiotic treatment, patients on blood thinners may require adjustments in preparation for certain dental procedures.

For these reasons New Image Dentistry requires a signed medical clearance from your treating physician prior to dental care.  We have forms available in the office to fax directly to your physician to facilitate the process.