Our Summary

This research paper suggests that dental surgery procedures like tooth extractions or implant placements could potentially spread fungus through the bloodstream, which could lead to fungal infections of the heart valves. The authors recommend creating a new protocol to assess and prevent the risk of such heart infections in patients who are already at risk of developing them.

FAQs

  1. What types of dental procedures could potentially spread fungus into the bloodstream?
  2. What kind of heart infections could potentially result from dental surgery procedures?
  3. What is the proposed new protocol to assess and prevent the risk of heart infections in patients already at risk?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about oral surgery is to follow all post-operative care instructions carefully, including taking any prescribed antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection. Additionally, maintaining good oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing and flossing, can help prevent complications during the healing process. It is also important to attend all follow-up appointments with your oral surgeon to ensure proper healing and address any concerns promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for oral surgery include those with:

  1. Impacted teeth: Wisdom teeth that are impacted or causing pain may need to be surgically removed.

  2. Tooth loss: Patients who have lost a tooth or multiple teeth may require dental implants or other surgical procedures to restore their smile and oral function.

  3. Jaw misalignment: Patients with jaw misalignment or TMJ disorders may require oral surgery to correct the issue.

  4. Oral cancer: Patients diagnosed with oral cancer may need surgery to remove the tumor and surrounding tissue.

  5. Facial trauma: Patients who have suffered facial trauma, such as a broken jaw or facial fractures, may require oral surgery to repair the damage.

  6. Sleep apnea: Patients with severe sleep apnea that cannot be treated with other methods may benefit from oral surgery to correct the issue.

  7. Gum disease: Patients with severe gum disease that has not responded to non-surgical treatments may require oral surgery to remove diseased tissue and restore oral health.

  8. Cleft lip and palate: Patients born with a cleft lip and/or palate may require multiple oral surgeries throughout their lifetime to correct the issue.

Overall, patients who are experiencing significant oral health issues that cannot be resolved through non-surgical means may be recommended for oral surgery. It is important for patients to consult with their dentist or oral surgeon to determine the best treatment plan for their individual needs.

Timeline

Before Oral Surgery:

  1. Consultation with the oral surgeon to discuss the procedure, risks, and benefits.
  2. Pre-operative assessment and evaluation of the patient’s medical history and current health status.
  3. Pre-operative instructions given to the patient on how to prepare for the surgery, including fasting guidelines and medication management.
  4. Anesthesia options discussed and chosen based on the patient’s needs and preferences.

During Oral Surgery:

  1. Administration of anesthesia to ensure the patient is comfortable and pain-free during the procedure.
  2. The surgeon performs the necessary dental surgery, such as tooth extraction or implant placement.
  3. Monitoring of the patient’s vital signs and overall well-being throughout the procedure.

After Oral Surgery:

  1. Post-operative care instructions provided to the patient, including pain management, wound care, and dietary restrictions.
  2. Follow-up appointments scheduled to monitor healing progress and address any concerns or complications.
  3. Gradual recovery process, with the patient experiencing swelling, pain, and potential limitations in eating and speaking.
  4. Complete healing of the surgical site and restoration of normal oral function.

Overall, the timeline of a patient’s experience before and after oral surgery involves careful preparation, skilled execution of the procedure, and attentive post-operative care to ensure a successful outcome and optimal recovery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific oral surgery procedure do you recommend for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this procedure?
  3. How will the surgery be performed and what is the expected recovery time?
  4. Will I need any special preparation before the surgery, such as fasting or taking medication?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options available for my condition?
  6. How will you ensure that the surgery is performed in a sterile environment to prevent infection?
  7. Will I need any follow-up appointments or care after the surgery?
  8. Are there any specific precautions I should take after the surgery to ensure proper healing?
  9. How will you monitor for any potential complications, such as infection or excessive bleeding?
  10. Based on my medical history, am I at increased risk for any complications related to the surgery, such as fungal infections of the heart valves?

Reference

Authors: Gülses A, Açil Y, Wiltfang J. Journal: Med Hypotheses. 2020 Feb;135:109482. doi: 10.1016/j.mehy.2019.109482. Epub 2019 Nov 11. PMID: 31739080