[Susceptibility of frequency adapted cardiac pacemakers to dental treatment]

Two rate-responsive pacemakers (Activitrax and Sensolog) were tested in order to show up to which extent its function can be disturbed by dental treatment. Inhibition of the pacemaker occurred by switching the electrical dental appliance on and off, or by moving it back and forth. In most cases, inhibition was only evident when the distance between the pacemaker and the electrical appliance was less than 10 cm. The electrome proved to be the most potent source of disturbance, as the function of the pacemaker was totally inhibited when it was switched on and off with a frequency of 1 to 2 Hz and even at a distance of 2.8 meters. During dental treatment--especially osteotomies--vibrations are transferred upon the patient which can cause an increase of the pacing rate.