pacemakers and antibiotics

When I had both knees replaced, I was told to always take antibiotics before any dental or surgical work is done...even the simple cleaning of teeth. When I called recently to ask if the antibiotics are still necessary for dental cleaning and mentioned that I had a pacemaker, I was told "very definitely especially with a pacemaker for EVERY proceedure". A short while ago I read that one of our members had an infection a year or so after implant. I do know that if there is any infection the bacteria goes directly to the "new" knee and causes BIG problems such as having the knees removed and weeks later replaced again after the bacteria is killed. Could that hold true for pacemakers? O.K. Smitty or Frank this one is for you! aldeer

4 Comments

antibiotics/dental work

by Pookie - 2008-05-20 05:05:08

I have been told to and have taken antibiotics even for a regular dental cleaning...better safe than sorry.

Pookie

No more antibiotics

by ted - 2008-05-20 08:05:54

I was just recently told by my dentist and my cardiologist that it has now been determined that it is no longer necessary to take antibiotics before any normal dental procedure.

My doc says yes......

by auntiesamm - 2008-05-21 02:05:25


I was told when my PM was implanted 2 years ago about taking antibiotics prior to any dental work, even a routine exam. Like you I have had both knees replaced and for that reason, too, take the antibiotics. It is a controversial issue. Based on Ted's comment I will ask my cardiologist again about antibiotics for folks with PMs. Because of the knees I have to take them so for me it is a moot point. I am on a joint replacement forum and this topic comes up about once every couple of weeks for new people. Standards of practice vary greatly so I choose to be safe rather than sorry - I will always take antibiotics to protect my knees! It was too hard to get these precious bionic parts. LOL

Sharon (So Calif)

antibiotics

by Shell - 2008-05-21 04:05:25

I've had me PM 2 yrs. and I haven't taken any antibiotis bedfore dental visits. (and I live in the US) Even growing up the only time I took antibiotics (I've had a complete heart block since I was born) was when I had my wisdom teeth pulled.

You know you're wired when...

Your kids call you Cyborg.

Member Quotes

As for my pacemaker (almost 7 years old) I like to think of it in the terms of the old Timex commercial - takes a licking and keeps on ticking.