ORAL MEDICATIONS IN SCOTTSDALE, AZ

Tell Your Dentist About Prescriptions

Although prescription medications each carry their own set of side effects, many affect oral health and dental treatment. Patients undergoing medical treatment or have ongoing conditions requiring medication may not be open with their dentist about the prescriptions they are taking. Despite the risks of ineligibility for certain dental treatments, the dentist must be aware of medications taken to best care for the patient's oral health concerns.
Patients who build a strong rapport with their dentist increase the likelihood of proper treatment, preventative treatment, and altering medications to suit oral needs. At the same time, they are aware of the risks that medical and oral medications have when combined as well as procedures that put them at a higher risk of other complications.

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dentist and patient checking medication history

Heart Conditions

A primary dental provider should be aware of all conditions, medications, and prior treatments of their patients, especially those for more serious problems, such as heart disease. Despite oral hygiene's positive effect on the heart, patients with heart conditions may be ineligible for certain dental procedures. Invasive dental procedures, such as periodontal treatment, may increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Some procedures boost inflammation in the body as it responds to bacteria entering the bloodstream after surgery. If the treatment is more detrimental than the condition itself and poses the risk of ineligibility, then a complete health dentist can weigh the circumstances and offer alternatives.

DENTAL MEDICATION IN ARIZONA

Altering Treatment Based on Medications

Many health conditions require medications that must be taken and pose fatal risks if a patient stops taking them. Complete health dentists have extensive background and education regarding systemic health conditions requiring medications and their adverse effects when coupled with oral medications. They can adjust dosages, prescribe alternatives, and alter dental treatments to fulfill their patient's needs.
It may be necessary to alter non-invasive dental treatments for patients with pre-existing medical conditions or patients taking certain medications. It is also possible to postpone or alter invasive treatments and surgeries if medications pose risks or interfere with a patient's medical condition. Complete health dentists can initiate, modify, and alter treatment based on medical history with the discretion of the patient's primary care provider and prescribe medications that sync with those the patient is already taking.

patient smiling and dentist taking notes

I do not feel comfortable telling a dentist about my medical history or medications. Will this affect my treatment?
Disclosing medical information in any practice is confidential and will not be used for any means other than implementing an appropriate treatment plan. The dentist will need honest and accurate medical history, previous procedures, and medications to prevent drug-on-drug interference and fatal risks.
Can I stop taking my prescription medication when going through a temporary dental treatment?
In most cases, patients should not stop taking any prescribed medications without approval or guidance from their primary care provider. A complete health dentist understands the implications regarding various general health conditions and medications. They will discuss the terms with you before treatment.
Can complete health dentists determine systemic health conditions by merely looking in the mouth?
A complete health dentist understands the oral-systemic link and how oral health is heavily connected to general health. Often, complete health dentists notice underlying problems that may be a result of existing systemic conditions. In the same way, they can test whether existing health conditions are affecting the patient's oral health.
How can I develop trust between myself and my dentist?
During the first visit, a patient's initial consultation is the perfect opportunity to begin building rapport. Ask the dentist questions about their expertise, procedures they have excelled in, and to discuss and describe your treatment plan thoroughly, giving explanations for all treatments. It is important to know your dentist and understand what they are doing, but it is also crucial to inform them of all information requested in all honesty.