Gum surgery

Irishgrl · 06-16-2008, 09:12 PM

Hi Dr. Wallach,

I just had implants put in 24 days ago... and, my luck, I just found out today that I have to have gum surgery! Now I'm worried because I've read about how it's not advisable to have any kind of dental work done for at least three months after surgery due to the high risk of infection. However, I really can't put off the surgery because I'm going to be leaving my current job and need to get this procedure done while I'm still covered under insurance. I plan to have the gum surgery (a soft tissue graft) done on July 2nd (which would be 40 days after my surgery). I'm going to call my plastic surgeon, but just wanted to get as many opinions as possible...so what do you think? Am I taking a big risk?

Thanks so much for your time!
Virginia

sgwallachmd · 06-17-2008, 04:10 PM

There are no definitive scientific studies that I know of stating that implant patients need prophylactic antibioticcs prior to dental procedures. On the other hand, there are some surgeons that are emphatic about it.

Irishgrl · 06-23-2008, 11:02 AM

Thanks, Dr. Wallach. I checked with my PS and he said the same thing and said that it can't hurt. So I think I will just take an antibiotic as a precaution.

Thanks again for your advice!
Virginia

06-16-2008, 09:12 PM	#1
Irishgrl Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: New York Posts: 7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts	Gum surgery Hi Dr. Wallach, I just had implants put in 24 days ago... and, my luck, I just found out today that I have to have gum surgery! Now I'm worried because I've read about how it's not advisable to have any kind of dental work done for at least three months after surgery due to the high risk of infection. However, I really can't put off the surgery because I'm going to be leaving my current job and need to get this procedure done while I'm still covered under insurance. I plan to have the gum surgery (a soft tissue graft) done on July 2nd (which would be 40 days after my surgery). I'm going to call my plastic surgeon, but just wanted to get as many opinions as possible...so what do you think? Am I taking a big risk? Thanks so much for your time! Virginia

06-17-2008, 04:10 PM	#2
sgwallachmd Certified by the ABPS Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: New York, New York Posts: 1,657 Thanks: 1 Thanked 680 Times in 547 Posts	There are no definitive scientific studies that I know of stating that implant patients need prophylactic antibioticcs prior to dental procedures. On the other hand, there are some surgeons that are emphatic about it. __________________ Steven Wallach, MD, FACS www.stevenwallachmd.com

06-23-2008, 11:02 AM	#3
Irishgrl Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: New York Posts: 7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts	Thanks! Thanks, Dr. Wallach. I checked with my PS and he said the same thing and said that it can't hurt. So I think I will just take an antibiotic as a precaution. Thanks again for your advice! Virginia

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