Cardiac surgery and the dentist

[IwishIwasmoreorganised]

My Dad will be having a CABG in the next few weeks.

I have got some information from the British Heart Foundation to get me up to speed on what to expect as my Dad seems completely unfazed by the prospect (he says he's done lots of research and is happy that it's the thing he needs!).

It says in the leaflet that he should have a dental check up before his surgery (presumably to minimise infection risk??) but Dad is refusing to do this, claiming he's just too busy!

Can anyone shed any more light on why this is necessary, and what the increased risks could be if he doesn't go and there's something wrong dentally?

Well, before any heart surgery they always want to make sure that you are free from infection.
Anyone with a damaged heart (and especially with valve disesse) is at greater risk of developing an infection of the lining of your heart and valves - this is called endocarditis. It usually attacks only valves that are already abnormal or hearts with other congenital abnormalities.
If they develop this serious infection you will need extensive treatment with antibiotics so it is important that you take special care to avoid it.
Often these infections arise in the mouth, so that is why they must take extra care of teeth and gums, by strict oral hygiene and visiting the dentist regularly. It is important to visit the dentist while on the
waiting list for valve surgery/heart surgery.