Artificial pacemakers and dentistry

ABSTRACT

Dental management of a patient with artificial pacemaker is not clearly understood. A patient with an artificial pacemaker is at risk from environmental factors, most damaging of which are electromagnetic fields. Electromagnetic field can alter, or inhibit an artificial pacemaker and it is an established fact that all electrical dental equipments generate electromagnetic fields. Advancements in pacemaker technology have made them immune to most electrical dental equipment. However, certain equipments like the electrotome, and certain ultrasonic equipments can potentially damage an artificial pacemaker. This article gives an insight into the various parts and normal functioning of a pacemaker, effects of electromagnetic interference and dental equipment interfering with a pacemaker. It also discusses various preventive measures that must be undertaken by a dental professional to avoid a mishap