Can extensive dental treatment put a patient at risk for developing other health problems?

It is not unusual for patients undergoing long dental appointments to comment that they feel slightly under the weather afterwards and sometimes the next day as well. This feeling of malaise passes after 48 hours,but doesn't seem to have lasting effects.

A new study,published in Annals of Internal Medicine(October 19, 2010 vol. 153 no. 8 499-506)may suggest otherwise. It suggests that extensive dental treatment may place some patients at a slightly greater risk for vascular events. The study found that "The rate of vascular events significantly increased in the first 4 weeks after invasive dental treatment (incidence ratio, 1.50 [95% CI, 1.09 to 2.06]) and gradually returned to the baseline rate within 6 months".

Although this finding is alarming, it clearly doesn't mean that patients should avoid dental treatment. The studies authors conclude that "the absolute risks are minimal, and the long-term benefits on vascular health will probably outweigh the short-lived adverse effects."

Clearly this finding needs to be further studied to help minimize any potential risks to patients undergoing extensive dental treatments.