Why does the dental equipment need to be checked?

Pacemakers and implantable defibrillators sense electrical signals from the heart. It is therefore important to consider whether signals from nearby electrical equipment could interfere. The American Dental Association (ADA) discusses possible electromagnetic interference between implanted cardiac devices and certain dental instruments.[1]

However, both cardiac devices and dental instruments vary in their characteristics. Ultrasonic scalers do not all produce vibration in the same way. Neither “all ultrasound is dangerous” nor “new equipment never needs checking” is a reliable rule.[1]

Laboratory findings are not the same as clinical findings

A 2020 systematic review assessed 18 studies. Laboratory studies found interference under some close-range or sensitive settings, whereas the six included studies in people reported no device-function changes under the conditions tested. Equipment and operating conditions matter when interpreting these findings.[4]

A 2015 clinical study of 32 people likewise found no clinically significant sensing or pacing dysfunction from the dental devices tested. However, none of the participants relied on the pacemaker to maintain their heart rhythm. The findings cannot simply be extended to every cardiac device and every patient.[3]

Look for your device card before the appointment

The American Heart Association recommends carrying a device identification card and informing treating clinicians. When booking, mention your pacemaker or defibrillator and bring the card or other reliable documentation. The device type and manufacturer help the team find the relevant precautions.[2]

This adds useful detail to “I have a heart device.” Providing accurate device information in advance helps the team prepare. If you cannot find the card, ask the implanting hospital or your cardiac care team how to obtain the information.[1][2]

Treatment is planned around the information available

The dental team considers the manufacturer’s advice and your medical circumstances, consulting your cardiac team if necessary. They can review the equipment to use, its positioning, and how you will be monitored. This is why a single distance quoted online should not be applied to every device.[1][4]

The American Heart Association lists dental cleaning equipment and drills among devices posing limited risk when precautions are considered. That does not amount to a blanket prohibition, but neither does it remove the need for individual checks. Share the relevant information so the team can choose an appropriate approach.[2]

Report new discomfort promptly during treatment

Tell the team promptly if you become uncomfortable rather than trying to endure it. The ADA emphasizes careful observation while equipment is used. A new symptom should lead to a pause and assessment, not an automatic assumption that interference is the cause.[1]

Do not try to solve the issue by switching off or adjusting the cardiac device yourself. Sharing information beforehand and communicating during treatment both matter. Ask which symptoms to report and agree on a way to signal discomfort.[1][2]

Medical reviewLast reviewed · Reviewed by: Dr. Moon Sooin, Specialist in Prosthodontics and Integrated DentistryView the doctor's profile · Korean articleThis page was translated by AI. If anything differs, the Korean original prevails.

Research and institutional sources

  1. American Dental Association. Cardiac Implanted Devices and Electronic Dental Instruments. Updated February 20, 2023.View source ↗Professional guidance on device-specific and use-related precautions.
  2. American Heart Association. Devices That May Interfere With ICDs and Pacemakers. Reviewed October 29, 2024.View source ↗Advice on carrying a device card, informing clinicians, and precautions for dental equipment.
  3. Elayi CS, Lusher S, Meeks Nyquist JL, Darrat Y, Morales GX, Miller CS. Interference between dental electrical devices and pacemakers or defibrillators: results from a prospective clinical study. J Am Dent Assoc. 2015;146(2):121–128. doi:10.1016/j.adaj.2014.11.016. PMID:25637210.View source ↗Prospective study of 32 non-pacemaker-dependent participants. Abstract and available publisher sections checked; population and equipment limits retained.
  4. Niu Y, Chen Y, Li W, Xie R, Deng X. Electromagnetic interference effect of dental equipment on cardiac implantable electrical devices: A systematic review. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 2020;43(12):1588–1598. doi:10.1111/pace.14051. PMID:32852847.View source ↗Systematic review of 18 studies. Full abstract checked; laboratory and human findings distinguished.

Bracketed numbers in the text link to these sources. This article provides general health information; individual diagnosis and treatment plans are determined after a clinical consultation.

← All health articlesScaling and gum care guide