Hepatitis B is not a reason to skip dental care. You can still be treated, as long as you tell the dentist your condition so liver function and bleeding risk can be considered.
- People with hepatitis B can still have extractions and scaling like anyone else.
- The liver takes part in blood clotting, so the dentist needs to know your liver condition to plan bleeding control.
- Dental instruments are sterilised for every patient, so there is no need to hide your condition.
- Bleeding that does not stop after several hours means you should contact the clinic at once.
Many people with hepatitis B hesitate to mention their condition at the dentist, or worry about being refused treatment. In practice people with hepatitis B can still have extractions, scaling and other dental treatment like anyone else, and telling the dentist helps the treatment be safer for you.
Why tell the dentist?
The liver makes many of the substances that help blood to clot. When liver function is reduced, bleeding may be harder to stop after an extraction or any procedure that bleeds. So the dentist needs to know how your liver is doing in order to prepare properly, and may ask about recent test results if needed.
What should you tell the dentist?
- How long you have had hepatitis B and whether you are under the care of a specialist.
- Your most recent liver function test results, if you have them.
- Medicines you take as prescribed and any history of bleeding easily or bruising.
- Other conditions such as diabetes or heart disease.
Bleeding and aftercare
After an extraction, bite on the gauze as instructed and keep cleaning gentle. See also bleeding after tooth extraction. If bleeding does not stop after several hours, contact the clinic at once.
Is there a risk of passing the infection on in the clinic?
Dental instruments are sterilised for every patient in the same way, whether or not they have mentioned an illness. See how a safe, sterile tooth extraction is carried out. So you need not feel awkward. Mentioning your condition only helps the dentist care for you and control bleeding better.
Daily oral care
People with liver disease should keep the mouth clean to avoid infection. Brush twice a day, clean between the teeth and have tartar removed regularly.
When should you visit Ky Hoa Dental Clinic?
Nha Khoa Ky Hoa is at 266A - 268, 3 Thang 2 Street, Hoa Hung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. You can walk in during opening hours, or call the hotline 028.3868.1097 to ask about quieter times first. The dentist will advise based on your teeth and your health.
Frequently asked questions
Can people with hepatitis B have scaling?
Yes. Tell the dentist about your liver condition. Scaling rarely causes much bleeding, but preparation matters if the gums are inflamed.
Does hepatitis B cause heavy bleeding after an extraction?
If liver function is still good it is usually not a concern. If liver function is reduced, bleeding may be harder to stop, so tell the dentist beforehand.
Should I hide my condition from the dentist?
No. Telling the dentist lets them prepare more safely, while instruments are sterilised the same way for every patient.