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Question
27 Jul 2011
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Heart Valve
Hi Dr
My husband made a valve replacement, which he is using waffarin. I''m worried about this teeth and had not been in the dentist for a while now. Please tell me when should he see a dentist whether his waffirn is up or low.
Reason is i dont want an infection to be coz since of his teeth not treated well and clean.
Will appreciate your help.
My husband made a valve replacement, which he is using waffarin. I''m worried about this teeth and had not been in the dentist for a while now. Please tell me when should he see a dentist whether his waffirn is up or low.
Reason is i dont want an infection to be coz since of his teeth not treated well and clean.
Will appreciate your help.
Cardiologist
Dear Busie,
I agree that it is important for patients with artificial heart valves to be meticulous about their dental hygiene, to avoid infections. The fact that your husband is on warfarin will make dental treatment more difficult, but by no means impossible.
My advice would be for hoim to go and see his dentist to have a preliminary check. If he then needs treatment, eg extractions, fillings etc, it may be necessary to stop warfarin for a few days so that he can have whatever treatment is necessary without bleeding. As soon as his INR is below 2.0 he should start temporary Clexane injections, stopping Clexane the day before the dental procedure, and should re-start warfarin on the evening after the procedure.
He should also have antibiotics at the time of any dental treatist, so as to help prevent an infection known as infective endocarditis.
His cardiologist should be advising him on how to manage his warfarin therapy, and about what antibiotics to use and when.
regards Dr Tyrrell
I agree that it is important for patients with artificial heart valves to be meticulous about their dental hygiene, to avoid infections. The fact that your husband is on warfarin will make dental treatment more difficult, but by no means impossible.
My advice would be for hoim to go and see his dentist to have a preliminary check. If he then needs treatment, eg extractions, fillings etc, it may be necessary to stop warfarin for a few days so that he can have whatever treatment is necessary without bleeding. As soon as his INR is below 2.0 he should start temporary Clexane injections, stopping Clexane the day before the dental procedure, and should re-start warfarin on the evening after the procedure.
He should also have antibiotics at the time of any dental treatist, so as to help prevent an infection known as infective endocarditis.
His cardiologist should be advising him on how to manage his warfarin therapy, and about what antibiotics to use and when.
regards Dr Tyrrell
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