Tell Your Dentist About Prescriptions
Please inform your dentist of any current medications
Prescription medications can have a significant impact on oral health and dental treatment. It is important for patients to be open with their dentist about the medications they are taking, as this information is crucial for providing the best care possible. Building a strong relationship with your dentist can increase the likelihood of receiving proper treatment and adjusting medications to meet your oral health needs. Cedar Grove Dental Group in Cedar Grove, NJ offers complete health dentistry services and can help you understand the importance of effective communication with your dental provider. Contact us at (973) 857-0567 to schedule a consultation and discuss any prescriptions that may affect your eligibility for dental treatment.
Conditions affecting the heart
It is crucial for a primary dental provider to be fully informed about their patients' medical history, including conditions, medications, and prior treatments, especially for serious issues like heart disease. The Academy of General Dentistry emphasizes that the most common cause of drug-related interactions is a lack of information about a patient's medical background. Therefore, it is essential for patients to disclose all medical conditions, history, medications, supplements, vitamins, allergies, and any adverse reactions to treatments.
While maintaining good oral hygiene can benefit heart health, patients with heart conditions may not be suitable candidates for certain dental procedures. Invasive treatments like periodontal therapy can potentially increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes by triggering inflammation in response to bacteria entering the bloodstream post-surgery. If a procedure poses a greater risk than the condition itself and could lead to ineligibility, a comprehensive health dentist can assess the situation and provide alternative options.
“Despite oral hygiene’s positive effect on the heart, patients with heart conditions may be ineligible for certain dental procedures.”
Medications That Restrict Treatments
High blood pressure medications can interfere with dental treatment, as emergency procedures are not recommended for patients with a blood pressure over 180/110 mmHg. Dentists who focus on complete health are knowledgeable about the oral side effects of antihypertensive medications due to the widespread use of these drugs. It is important for patients to disclose all medical conditions and medications to their dentist to avoid potential complications or even serious consequences during dental visits. Dual-drug interactions can also pose risks for patients with compromised health statuses, such as those with systemic diseases or immunodeficiency.
“Due to the high prevalence of disease and medication use for hypertension, complete health dentists are aware of the oral side effects of antihypertensive medications.”
Do not mix dental and medical prescriptions
Drug interactions between medical and dental medications can lead to many adverse reactions, especially when providers are unaware of a patient's history or current prescriptions. It is important for primary care providers and complete health dentists to be knowledgeable about which medications can be safely prescribed together to avoid harmful or potentially deadly interactions.
Patients may need to prioritize their health over personal preferences when ongoing medication could interfere with dental procedures. A study on common dental drug interactions emphasizes the importance of taking a thorough medical and drug history, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products, at every dental visit. This practice helps prevent adverse reactions, worsening symptoms, and serious risks, allowing dentists to proactively seek alternative solutions.
“Patients must set aside their personal wishes for treatment when more serious conditions require ongoing medication that may interfere with dental procedures.”
Adjusting Treatment According to Medications Used
Our Complete Health Dentists are knowledgeable about systemic health conditions and the potential risks of discontinuing medications. They can make adjustments to dosages, suggest alternative medications, and modify dental treatments to suit the needs of their patients. In certain situations, non-invasive dental procedures may need to be changed for patients with medical conditions or who are taking specific medications. Furthermore, invasive treatments and surgeries may be delayed or modified if medications could pose risks or impact a patient's health. Our Complete Health Dentists collaborate closely with primary care providers to ensure that prescribed medications are compatible with the patient's current regimen.
