It's essential to take preventive measures to avoid potential infections of the valves or heart. This includes taking antibiotics before any dental procedures or other invasive treatments, such as a breast biopsy, removal of an ingrown toenail or wart on the hand, hernia repair, or angiography or cardiac catheterization. Most people need two teeth cleanings a year; however, a deep dental cleaning is necessary if the gums and teeth are in poor condition. To ensure that the results of the deep dental cleaning are maintained, general dentists usually recommend that patients have their teeth cleaned every three months.
Although some bicuspid aortic valves are silent, a murmur may be the first sign of an abnormal aortic valve. Below is an overview of how often a regular dental cleaning should be done after a deep dental cleaning. Bicuspid aortic disease is caused by a defect in the valve that opens and closes to allow blood to flow from the heart through the aorta. Bicuspid aortic valve repair can be done using a minimally invasive “J” incision surgical technique.
People with bicuspid aortic valves are born with them and they are present in about 1 to 2 percent of the population. Cardiac surgeons perform aortic valve surgery to treat bicuspid valves, other congenital aortic valve diseases, aortic valve stenosis, and aortic valve insufficiency. The aortic valve can be abnormal at birth (usually bicuspid congenital aortic valve) or become ill over time (acquired valve disease). In many cases, bicuspid aortic valves can function normally for several years without treatment.
People with bicuspid aortic disease may also experience rapid changes in blood pressure during activity or stress. A general dentist can determine how often routine cleanings are needed based on the results of deep dental cleaning and an evaluation. The aorta is enlarged more often in people with bicuspid aortic valves than in those with normal valves. After performing routine cleanings every three months for some time, the general dentist may modify their recommendation.
Since there is such risk, it's important that routine cleanings are done at least every three months. A bicuspid aortic valve can be repaired by remodeling the valves of the aortic valve, allowing it to open and close more fully. After completing a thorough dental cleaning, an evaluation can be done to determine how often routine cleanings are needed.
