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  • Common dental procedures often involve the use of electrical equipment that may come into close proximity to an implanted pacemaker or defibillator.  

  • There is a possibility that exposure to the electromagnetic interference (EMI) of some dental equipment may temporarily affect the function of an implanted pacemaker or defibrillator.  

Cardiac Pacemakers and Defibrillators

Introduction

Possible device responses to interference

  • Inhibition of pacing - pacing therapy not provided when needed

  • Asynchronous pacing - pacing therapy provided at a fixed rate regardless of the heart's need for therapy

  • Inappropriate shocks - shock therapy provided when not needed

Symptoms of possible interference 

Dental equipment and potential interactions

  • Light-headedness

  • Increased heart rate

  • A defibrillation shock

  • Beeping noises from the device

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Move the device away from the patient or turn it OFF will usually allow the device to return to its normal mode of operation.

References

Boston Scientific. Dental Equipment and Implantable Pacemakers and Defibrillators. 2009

Brand, Entjes, Amerongen.  Interference of electrical dental equipment with Implantable Cardioverter-defibrillators. British Dental Journal. 2007; 203:577-579.

Garofalo, Ede, Dorn.  Effect of electronic apex locators on cardiac pacemaker function.  Journal of Endodontics. 2002; 28:831-833.

Roedig, Shah, Elayi, Miller.  Interference of cardiac pacemaker and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator activity during electronic dental device use. Journal of the American Dental Association. 2010; 141:521-526.

Trenter, Walmsley.  Ultrasonic dental scaler: associated hazards. J Clinic Periodontol 2003; 30:95-101.

 

 

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