Why You Need Dental Clearance Before Surgery

 

General surgery introduces potential risks, and your oral health can impact those risks. Our team at Itani Dental advocates for dental clearance to safeguard your well-being. Our goal is to ensure that your mouth is free from active dental issues that could complicate your surgery via the oral-systemic connection, such as infection in the teeth, bone, or gums. Physicians agree that this is especially important prior to heart transplants, heart valve replacements, and head and neck cancer therapies.

What Dental Clearance at Itani Dental Entails

A comprehensive dental clearance requires a few essential components:

Personalized Care: We provide a thorough dental examination within six months of surgery and tailor our recommendations to your unique needs.

Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment: Our experienced dentists assess your oral health, identifying active cavities, gum disease, abscessed teeth, fractured teeth or fillings, loose teeth, or other oral pathologies. From there, our dentists work with your physician to develop a plan to treat the most urgent issues that could impact your surgery.

Anticipated Dental Care: We’ll also discuss any expected dental procedures you might require within the next six months, ensuring a comprehensive approach to your healthcare.

The Impact of Periodontal Disease and Periodontal Bacteria

It’s worth noting that periodontal disease, or gum disease is common. According to the CDC, almost 50% of adults in the United States have some degree of periodontal disease, and this percentage rises significantly among adults aged 65 and older.

The circulatory system, including the heart, links our mouth to the rest of the body. If gum disease is detected during the dental clearance, treatment is important. This involves debriding the teeth of hardened bacteria, called tartar or calculus, sometimes in conjunction with systemic antibiotics. Anesthetic is often administered to ensure this process is comfortable.

Collaboration Between Itani Dental and Healthcare Providers

Coordinated teamwork among healthcare providers plays a pivotal role in safeguarding your overall health. At Itani Dental, our commitment extends to close collaboration with your medical practitioners and surgeons to mitigate potential dental health complications during surgical procedures. As an integral part of your healthcare team, our foremost concern is your well-being and safety. Moreover, it’s worth noting our affiliations with Kaiser Medical Group and California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC), as well as our memberships in the Special Care Dental Association and the American Dental Association, which further enhance our commitment to delivering comprehensive and top-notch care.

In the realm of dental health, obtaining clearance is a pivotal step before surgery. Recognized as one of The Best Dentists in San Francisco, our practice is dedicated to your health and well-being, ensuring that your oral health is in excellent condition. With our experienced team, personalized care, and a commitment to industry best practices, we stand out as your trusted partner in ensuring a safe and successful surgical experience. Your surgical journey begins with a healthy smile at Itani Dental

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