Dental work before a breast augmentation.

Question

So my breast augmentation is about 20 days away... I realized I have a cavity, and would like to get it filled ASAP. If I were to get it done this week would I still be okay to proceed with my surgery? I just want to make sure it won't affect that.. if so should I wait til after surgery to have it fixed?

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

It should be fine to have dental work 3 weeks before breast augmentation.  I would avoid this starting a week before and for several weeks after your augmentation.  Some literature suggest doing prophylactic antibiotics for dental work once you have your implant.

John L. Clayton, MD, PhD, MPH · Answer

Thanks for your question. I think you'd be fine getting a cavity filled 3 weeks before surgery. If you have a larger abscess that's a different story. Every surgeon will have their preferences, but I wouldn't hesitate to recommend getting your tooth fixed first.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question,Have the dental work now. Do not want to risk any infection. Let your surgeon know, but you should be fine to proceed with the surgery. Best wishes.

Marissa Tenenbaum, MD · Answer

Every surgeon has a different protocol about dental work and surgery. Sometimes there are periods of time that your surgeon will want you to wait between dental work and elective surgery. It is important to ask your doctor for her recommendations. Best, MMT

Joseph L. Grzeskiewicz, MD, FACS · Answer

As long as your surgery is still 3 weeks away, and you don't have an abscess that may require dental surgery or antibiotics, I don't think this will affect your upcoming breast surgery at all.  I wouldn't want you to have a lot of manipulation in your mouth within about a week before the breast surgery, and probably about a month or so after the surgery, and definitely if you have any source of infection, like a periapical, or dental abscess.  Because of the risk of bacterial transfer through the bloodstream to the breast wounds, those types of things should be fully resolved before elective breast augmentation.  In the case of an abscess, you would likely need to undergo a root canal, followed by a few days of antibiotics depending upon how bad the abscess was.  Typical cavities don't usually involve actual infection, like an abscess does, and as long as the filling is completed and stable early enough before your surgery that should be of no consequence.  Make sure you run this by your own surgeon too, and get their recommendation as well.  Good luck.

Dental work before a breast augmentation.

Answers (7)