{"id":140,"date":"2018-12-08T16:53:54","date_gmt":"2018-12-08T16:53:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.diamonddentalofowingsmills.com\/blog\/?p=140"},"modified":"2019-01-02T16:18:39","modified_gmt":"2019-01-02T16:18:39","slug":"got-heart-murmur-dentist-in-owings-mills-should-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.diamonddentalofowingsmills.com\/blog\/got-heart-murmur-dentist-in-owings-mills-should-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Got a Heart Murmur? The Dentist in Owings Mills Should Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\"AJust like any surgery, oral surgery requires it\u2019s fair share of planning. Part of this planning involves keeping the dentist updated on your medical history. If you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant, they should know. If you have a heart condition, such as a heart murmur, then it\u2019s crucial that you tell them. Without a complete medical history, dentists can\u2019t always ensure that a complication won\u2019t arise later.\r\n\r\nIf you aren\u2019t sure how to prepare or know the risks involved, learn today from a dentist in Owings Mills<\/a>.\r\n\r\n\r\n

Why The Dentist Should Know About Heart Murmurs<\/h2>\r\nIt\u2019s obvious that you\u2019re not receiving heart surgery, but there\u2019s a reason why dentists have been increasingly emphasizing the connection between the mouth and the body. For example, gum disease can allow oral bacteria to travel to different areas of the body, including the heart. If you have a pre-existing heart condition such as a heart murmur, you are inherently at a much higher risk of developing certain infections than other individuals.\r\n\r\nLet\u2019s say during your oral surgery that an infected tooth spreads bacteria and accesses your bloodstream. If this bacteria reaches your heart, it can stick to the heart valve or the lining of the heart. This infection is known as bacterial endocarditis and can lead to serious complications later, including heart failure and further leakage of the heart valve.\r\n

How Does the Dentist Prevent Complications?<\/h2>\r\nFortunately, some studies have shown the act of taking antibiotics prior to oral surgery to be very helpful in controlling and preventing infections. While antibiotics are not required for everyone undergoing oral surgery, you\u2019ll still want to discuss your condition with the dentist so they can better prepare for your treatment. Most dentists prescribe an antibiotic tablet that\u2019s taken about an hour before your surgery. It can also be injected into the bloodstream directly if you have trouble swallowing pills. You\u2019ll also take an antibiotic after your surgery, but this is common for all individuals getting oral surgery, not just those with heart murmurs.\r\n

Are You at Risk?<\/h2>\r\nIf you aren\u2019t sure if you\u2019re at risk, the best thing you can do is speak with your doctor. They\u2019ll know the specifics of your heart condition and what you need to do prior to any form of surgery. However, if you do have any of the following conditions, make sure both your doctor and the dentist are aware of it. These include:\r\n