Clinical Significance
The slight interference produced by the various dental instruments appears to be insignificant clinically. However, the
Cardiac implantable electrical devices (CIEDs) are electronic devices that can analyze heart rhythms and regulate irregular beats by providing an electric stimulus. Typically CIEDs are implanted subcutaneously in the left infraclavicular area and connected by flexible electrode leads via the subclavian vein. Included among the most common CIEDs are pacemakers (PMs) and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). Even with the protective mechanisms built into CIEDs, some electromagnetic
Six electronic dental instruments were tested for their effect on three ICDs and three PMs from various manufacturers. A simulator model was submerged in physiological saline solution with elements mimicking life-size anatomic structures.
At some point, each dental instrument was able to induce electromagnetic interference with the IEDs. However, the different instruments produced significantly different severity of interference. The electrosurge produced the greatest electromagnetic interference of light to moderate severity. The electric pulp tester caused the greatest electromagnetic interference of the severe type.
The amount of interference induced related to distance of application was significant for all of the dental
Under some conditions, certain dental equipment could interfere with CIEDs. However, at clinical application distance, electronic dental instruments produced just light levels of interference. This indicates that under clinical situations, these dental instruments may be used for patients with pacemakers or ICDs without concern for altering their function. Clinical Significance The slight interference produced by the various dental instruments appears to be insignificant clinically. However, the
Lahor-Soler E, Miranda-Rius J, Brunet-Llobet L, et al: Capacity of dental equipment to interfere with cardiac implantable electrical devices. Eur J Oral Sci 123:194-201, 2015
Reprints available from J Miranda-Rius, Dept d’Odontostomatologia, Facultat d’Odontologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Feixa Llarga, s/n, 08907 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; e-mail: [email protected]