Cardiac implantable devices (pacemaker/ICD)
Implanted pacemaker or ICD (a cardiac implantable electronic device, CIED). A pacemaker paces the heart for bradycardia/conduction disease; an ICD also senses and shocks life-threatening tachyarrhythmias (many are combined/CRT devices). The device itself is NOT an indication for antibiotic prophylaxis. The main dental concern is electromagnetic interference (EMI) — chiefly from monopolar electrosurgery/electrocautery and, less so, older magnetostrictive ultrasonic scalers — which can transiently inhibit pacing (bradycardia/syncope in pacing-dependent patients) or trigger an inappropriate ICD shock. Modern shielded, bipolar devices are well protected and most routine dental equipment is safe at normal working distances. Overall risk is usually driven more by the underlying heart disease than by the device.
The full condition entry includes
- Safe vs avoid lists: antibiotics, analgesics, local anesthetics
- Vasoconstrictor limits and treatment modifications
- Pre/intra/post-op monitoring and deferral criteria
- Emergency management, explained for study
More medical conditions in dentistry
Dentalverse is an educational resource for dental students and dentists. This page is a study reference — it is not medical advice and does not replace clinical judgment. Always follow your institution's protocols and your supervisor's guidance.