Tooth extractions and aortitis syndrome (Takayasu's disease).

Several problems in tooth extraction in patients with aortitis syndrome are described and the following points are stressed. (1) The extractions of teeth should be done at nonactive period of the disease. (2) Patients who reveal hyper- or impaired sensitivity of the carotid sinus should be positioned in the most relaxed way with no pressure and no stretch of the carotid sinus region. (3) Since no pulsation is present at any extremity in many patients, these patients should be carefully monitored during treatment. (4) Antibiotics before tooth extraction are necessary. (5) Tooth extractions should not alter an already unbalanced hemodynamic state to a more severe stage.