Oral Surgery · single question
A patient is referred 2 weeks before heart surgery and needs restorations and extractions. What will you do?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Complete restorations AND extractions before surgery
- A. Incorrect — extractions should also be done BEFORE cardiac surgery to eliminate infectious foci. Leaving potentially infected teeth that might abscess post-operatively is dangerous.
- B. Pre-surgical dental clearance requires removing ALL potential sources of infection. Both RESTORATIONS (to treat active caries) and EXTRACTIONS of non-restorable teeth should be completed BEFORE cardiac surgery. This reduces the risk of bacteremia and infective endocarditis post-operatively. Two weeks is considered adequate time for initial healing.
- C. Deferring treatment leaves active infectious foci that could seed the bloodstream post-operatively, risking endocarditis. Pre-surgical dental clearance is standard of care.
- D. Performing dental work after cardiac surgery (especially with prosthetic valves) significantly increases endocarditis risk. Pre-surgical clearance is mandatory.