Many people with a heart stent hesitate to have a tooth removed or filled. In practice you can still have dental treatment, as long as you tell the dentist everything and prepare properly.
- People with a heart stent can usually still have dental treatment if they tell the dentist about their heart condition and medicines.
- Never stop heart medicine on your own; any adjustment is decided by your cardiologist.
- Non urgent procedures may need to wait until the heart condition is stable, as your cardiologist advises.
- Bring papers and prescriptions, and tell the dentist at once if you feel chest pain or shortness of breath.
Can people with a stent have dental treatment?
In most cases, yes. Long standing tooth pain or infection can harm general health, so caring for your teeth matters. What is important is that the dentist knows your heart condition and the medicines you take so a safe approach can be chosen.
What to tell the dentist
- When the stent was placed and who follows your heart condition.
- The list of medicines you take, especially blood thinning medicines, because they can make bleeding last longer after an extraction.
- Other conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes or heart failure.
- Any recent chest pain, shortness of breath or palpitations.
Do not stop medicine on your own
Please do not stop your heart medicines on your own before an extraction. Whether any adjustment is needed is a decision for your cardiologist, usually in discussion with the dentist. Stopping medicine without guidance can be dangerous.
The right timing for treatment
Some non urgent procedures may be better delayed until the heart condition is stable, and the exact timing is decided together by your cardiologist and the dentist. Please ask your heart doctor before planning an extraction or surgery in the mouth.
Preparing for the visit
- Bring discharge papers, your follow up booklet or your heart prescriptions.
- Eat lightly beforehand and sleep well. See our article on whether you need to fast before a dental visit.
- If you feel chest pain, shortness of breath or dizziness during the visit, tell the dentist straight away.
You may also read our articles on tooth extraction in people with heart disease or diabetes, and on dental visits for people with high blood pressure. You are welcome to walk in during opening hours at Nha Khoa Kỳ Hòa, 266A - 268, 3 Tháng 2 Street, Hòa Hưng Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, or call the hotline 028.3868.1097 (Zalo 082.299.3377) to ask about quieter time slots.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a tooth removed after a stent?
Usually yes, but you must tell the dentist about your heart condition and medicines. The dentist will decide, sometimes after consulting your cardiologist.
Can I stop my heart medicine before an extraction?
No. Any change to medicine must be decided by your cardiologist, and stopping on your own can be dangerous.
What if bleeding lasts after an extraction?
If bleeding does not stop after biting on the gauze correctly, come back straight away so the dentist can manage it.