Effect of electrically powered dental devices on cardiac parameter function in humans

Electrically powered devices represent a hazard for patients with cardiac pacemakers. The aim of the present investigation was an in vivo evaluation of possible interactions between electrically powered dental instruments and the function of artificial pacemakers in humans. In 26 patients with artif...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inParodontologie (Berlin, Germany) Vol. 2; no. 4; p. 299
Main Authors Zappa, U, Studer, M, Merkle, A, Graf, H, Simona, C
Format Journal Article
LanguageGerman
Published Germany 01.11.1991
Subjects
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Arrhythmias, Cardiac - etiology
Dental Care for Disabled
Dental High-Speed Equipment - adverse effects
Electric Conductivity
Electromagnetic Fields
Equipment Failure
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Pacemaker, Artificial
Risk Factors
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Summary:Electrically powered devices represent a hazard for patients with cardiac pacemakers. The aim of the present investigation was an in vivo evaluation of possible interactions between electrically powered dental instruments and the function of artificial pacemakers in humans. In 26 patients with artificial pacemakers, different dental instruments were applied, including air scaler, ultrasonic curets, electric pulp tester and electrotome. These devices were applied at highest intensity. Immediately prior to, during, and immediately after applications of these instruments, the pulse rate and the electrocardiogram (EKG) were recorded. The EKG recordings were assessed for irregularities in the distances between the pacemaker peaks. The dental devices were assessed for magnetic fields or induction tension. The results showed that none of the dental devices caused an irregularity in the pacemaker function. The air scaler, Piezon ultrasonic curet and the electric pulp tester caused no measurable magnetic fields. The Sonus 2 ultrasonic curet and the electrotome magnetic fields were measured up to 60 and 50 cm, respectively. All dental devices caused induction tension. The highest value was produced by the electrotome. It seems that cardiac pacemaker function is not affected by electrically powered dental devices. However, there remains a risk in relation to older pacemakers or defective dental devices.
ISSN:0937-1532