Dental treatment of post-myocardial infarction patients: A review of the literature

Patients who have suffered a heart attack often require dental treatment. The inflammation of the oral cavity not only reduces the quality of life, but also negatively affects the course of ischemic heart disease. Dental treatment in patients with a history of myocardial infarction seems complicated, since these patients require special consideration with regard to the timing and form of dental treatment as well as to the precautions required. Patients at risk of cardiac complications that are greater than the benefits of dental treatment should be identified and only the most urgent conditions should be treated. The aim of this study was to present the latest guidelines for dental treatment in patients who have suffered myocardial infarction. We reviewed the available literature explaining when dental treatment can be undertaken, whether antibiotic prophylaxis is required, whether the patient can be anesthetized locally, and how to provide the maximum safety during the visit. The principles of the surgical treatment of patients receiving drugs that affect hemostasis were also reviewed.