People with chronic kidney disease, especially those on dialysis, need more careful preparation for dental treatment. Coordination between the dentist and the kidney doctor makes procedures safer.
- People with kidney failure or on dialysis have lower resistance, are prone to infection and heal more slowly.
- A procedure that bleeds, such as an extraction, is usually considered on a non dialysis day and should be agreed with the kidney doctor.
- Tell the dentist about your kidney condition, dialysis schedule and all medicines.
- Keeping the mouth moist, brushing gently and regular check ups help find problems early.
People with chronic kidney disease and those on dialysis often have a dry mouth, are prone to gum inflammation and infection. Because the body is weaker, extractions and other procedures need their own preparation and coordination with the kidney specialist.
Why take care with dental treatment?
- People on dialysis often take blood thinners, so bleeding may be harder to stop on dialysis days.
- Resistance is lower, wounds heal more slowly and infection is more likely.
- Weak kidneys clear medicines slowly, so dose and type of medicine must be chosen carefully.
- Blood pressure and body fluid can fluctuate with the dialysis schedule.
Choosing the day for a procedure
For people on dialysis, a procedure that bleeds, such as an extraction, is usually considered on a non dialysis day, and the timing should be agreed with your kidney doctor so that your body is at its most stable. Please ask your kidney doctor before arranging a procedure that causes bleeding.
What should you tell the dentist?
- Your kidney condition and current dialysis schedule.
- All medicines you take as prescribed by your kidney doctor.
- Any history of blood pressure problems, anaemia, heart disease or diabetes.
- Whether you have been told to take medicine to prevent infection before procedures, if your kidney doctor has advised it.
You may also read what people with high blood pressure should know before dental treatment and what people taking blood thinners should know before an extraction.
Daily oral care
- Brush gently twice a day with a soft toothbrush.
- Rinse with clean water and keep the mouth moist, since people with kidney disease often have a dry mouth.
- Have tartar removed and regular check ups to find gum inflammation and decay early.
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 call the hotline 028.3868.1097 to ask first, or walk in during opening hours and bring information about your medicines and dialysis schedule. Treatment decisions are always made by the dentist after an examination and discussion with your kidney doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Can people on dialysis have a tooth removed?
Possibly, but it needs coordination with the kidney doctor. A procedure that bleeds is usually considered on a non dialysis day.
Why are people on dialysis more likely to bleed?
They often take blood thinners during dialysis, so bleeding may be harder to stop on dialysis days.
What should I tell the dentist if I have kidney failure?
Tell them about your kidney condition, dialysis schedule and all medicines so they can prepare suitably.