Dental procedures and implants

[Guest guest]

Hi All,

I came across this article and feel it's worth posting, as I had a root canal and filling removed right before I became ill. Most of my doctors think the dental work was a trigger for my illness, although I believe I probably could have handled it without the implants...a combination of too many toxins and hits to the immune system. I've tried posting this on pro-implant forums just to make women aware, yet it gets deleted each time I post. On these forums, however, women have mentioned that their PS's recommend antibiotics for even just a routine dental cleaning. ~ PH

http://www.center4research.org/qna10.html

Q: I have breast implants. Do I need to take antibiotics before going to the dentist?

A: When dental treatments cause bleeding, they can cause infections in other areas of the body, especially around implanted devices. Infection of breast implants following dental treatment has been reported in the medical literature.1

Many dental procedures cause bleeding, and when that happens bacteria and other organisms in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and migrate to other parts of the body. The presence of bacteria in the bloodstream ("bacteremia") following such procedures is usually temporary. However, the presence of any artificial devices in the body can increase the risk of the bacteria remaining in the body for longer periods of time. Bacteria and other organisms can "colonize" these artificial devices, sometimes leading to chronic infections that can damage surrounding tissues. This is one reason, for example, that the American Heart Association recommends that any person with an artificial heart valve receive antibiotics before undergoing a dental procedure.2

Breast implants are also artificial devices, and it is not unreasonable to ask whether breast implant patients also should receive antibiotics before dental procedures. It is already well-known that surgical wounds can become infected after breast implantation and that the implants themselves may become contaminated or infected.3, 4 In one study, 139 breast implants were removed from 72 patients who were suffering from symptoms such as breast pain, contraction of scar tissue (called capsular contracture), changes in breast shape, or unusual sensations in and around the arms. Upon examination of the implants after surgical removal, 47% were found to be infected by a variety of bacteria.4 Some studies have suggested that bacterial infection of breast implants is an important cause of the sometimes painful capsular contracture that is the most common complication requiring the removal of those implants. 3, 5

If a patient takes antibiotics before a dental procedure, it is not clear which antibiotic should be taken. For patients with artificial heart valves, the American Heart Association recommends antibiotics that will protect against some of the more common bacteria present in the mouth (such as Amoxicillin). However, bacterial infection not only depends on the source of the bacteria, but also the potential site of bacterial colonization. Breast implant devices have unique physical characteristics, and a variety of organisms are known to have infected them, including Staphylococcus epidermidis, Propionibacterium acnes, Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare, Listeria monocytogenes, and Clostridium perfringens. 1, 4, 6, 7

Although some believe that breast implants may increase dental patients' risk of serious infection, there is uncertainty about how frequently this occurs.8 It may be wise for an individual with breast implants to initiate a discussion with their physician and dentist regarding the option of taking antibiotics before undergoing a dental procedure, as they would if they had other kinds of implants.

References:

1. Hunter JG, Padilla M, -Vastola S. Late Clostridium perfringens breast implant infection after dental treatment. Ann Plast Surg. 1996;36:309-12.

2. AHA Recommendation: Bacterial Endocarditis: American Heart Association.

3. SE, Woods JE, O'Fallon WM, Beard CM, Kurland LT, Melton LJ, 3rd. Complications leading to surgery after breast implantation. N Engl J Med. 1997;336:677-82.

4. Ahn CY, Ko CY, Wagar EA, Wong RS, Shaw WW. Microbial evaluation: 139 implants removed from symptomatic patients. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1996;98:1225-9.

5. Virden CP, Dobke MK, Stein P, Parsons CL, DH. Subclinical infection of the silicone breast implant surface as a possible cause of capsular contracture. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 1992;16:173-9.

6. Lee D, Goldstein EJ, Zarem HA. Localized Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare mastitis in an immunocompetent woman with silicone breast implants. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1995;95:142-4.

7. Gnanadesigan N, Pechter EA, Mascola L. Listeria infection of silicone breast implant. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1994;94:531-3; discussion 534-5. 8. Baker KA. Antibiotic prophylaxis for selected implants and devices. J Calif Dent Assoc. 2000;28:620-6.

I'm 62 years old and have been taking hormone therapy for about 15 years. If I stop, what will happen?

I think something is wrong with my 12-year old silicone breast implants. They might be leaking. Should I consider explantation?

I recently got an email that warned about asbestos and dioxin contamination in tampons and the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome. Should I be concerned?

I have breast implants. Do I need to take antibiotics before going to the dentist?

I read in an email that antiperspirants cause breast cancer. Is this true? Are they really unsafe?

I currently work for an employer that doesn't provide health insurance. My children often need medical care, but I can't afford health insurance for them. Is there anything available?

I know I can get Toxic Shock Syndrome from wearing a tampon, but what exactly is it? What are the symptoms?

I have a family history of breast cancer. Would having breast implants increase my risk of breast cancer?

| Research Network | What's New | Women's Health |

| Media | Work, Family & Economic Security |

| Children, Teens, and Young Adults | Site Map | Site Search | Home |

National Research Center for Women & Families1701 K St. NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20006. (202) 223-4000