Dental work with Interstim

[lafayette123]

Re: Dental work with Interstim

Dear dyno thanks for sharing the information.

[dyno]

Great visual you guys!!!!!

[DebbieB]

Well I have had my InterStim Implant for almost five years and I go to the dentist every six months for cleaning , I just turn off my Implant that is all, never had any problems at all..

LOL, I would like to see them put the drill 6 inches away from the implant now that would be very interesting to say the least :p :p

Debbie

[mary a]

I have the interstim, I did not had any problems going to the dentist, as well as having the teeth x-rays...

[rjyoon]

Donna's explanation is exactly what the dentist was worried about.

I talked with Medtronic & got a letter from them that I should turn the Interstim off when having dental work. I should also keep the drill at least 6 inches away from the implant :eek: . Doesn't that make for an interesting visual?

[ICNDonna]

The way our doctor explained it to us when he said Terry needs antibiotics for dental work with his metal plate and artificial valve is that the mouth contains multitudes of bacteria, which can be released into the system, especially with dental cleaning. The bacteria has a tendency to migrate to anything "foreign" in the body, which can result in serious infection. Terry chooses to take the antibiotic even if the possibility is small --- because the consequences could be serious.

Donna

[ICNJess]

I had a root canal a month or two ago and was fine with dental work. Just make sure to stay away from any type of diathermy, although I don't think dentists use any.

[tigger_gal]

There shouldn't be any problem whats so ever at the dentist. I was never premedicated. Just shut off your interstim while you are being worked on. I have had my teeth cleaned with having the interstim, and had one estraction and 2 fillings... I think the only problem you may have is if your taking elmiron, because it is a blood thinner.. (I explained to my dentist about the interstim and was surprised her knew alot about it)
Hugs
Brat

[JAF]

I don't know either but I also have heard of people who have had different devices, not the Interstim but others who have had to have what Donna described for her husband.

I bet someone on here with the device should be able to give you an answer.

[ICNDonna]

I had never thought of dental work with an interstim. The dentist's concern does kind of make sense. I know my husband has to be pre-medicated with antibiotics prior to dental work. There are two reasons for his --- he has a metal plate screwed to his spine plus an artificial heart valve.

I'm curious now --- does anyone know?

Donna

[rjyoon]

I had my Interstim implant on 2/24/04. I went to the dentist yesterday, and they almost freaked out & didn't want to work on me because they considered if I had any metal in my body I needed to be pre-medicated with antibiotics before a routine cleaning. Eventually, I was able to get my teeth cleaned. Medtronic won't say one way or the other if pre-medication for dental work is necessary.

If you have Interstim, do you take any special precautions before dental work? Have you encountered concerns from dental staff?