• A search of the MEDLINE® database and professional society websites identified two primary research studies, four systematic reviews, and eight practice guidelines that addressed the benefits and harms of dental evaluation and treatment prior to the insertion of implantable cardiovascular devices other than surgically implanted prosthetic heart valves.
• Bleeding from tooth extractions may be less frequent if the extractions are performed prior to (rather than after) insertion of ventricular assist devices.
• The available evidence does not permit conclusions regarding the effect of pretreatment dental care for preventing downstream infections related to any of these devices.
• Professional society guidelines endorse the provision of patient education on routine oral hygiene practices but have not recommended other pre-treatment dental care prior to insertion of these devices.
• Professional society guidelines recommend ongoing routine dental examinations for some patients treated with cardiovascular devices.

Hickam DH, Gordon CJ, Armstrong CE, Paynter R. Efficacy of Dental Services for Reducing Adverse Events in Those Undergoing Insertion of Implantable Cardiovascular Devices. Rapid Response. (Prepared by the Scientific Resource Center under Contract No. 75Q80122C00002.) AHRQ Publication No. 23-EHC020. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; July 2023. DOI: https://doi.org/10.23970/AHRQEPCRAPIDDENTALCARDIO. Posted final reports are located on the Effective Health Care Program search page.