Sometimes physicians and dentists will recommend that you take antibiotics before certain dental procedures (antibiotic prophylaxis). This is because we all have bacteria in our mouths that can enter the bloodstream during the course of dental treatment. For most patients, this is not usually a problem, but some medical conditions can put you at risk for infection.
If you have any of these medical conditions, we may suggest the use of an antibiotic before dental treatment:
- Artificial joints
- Artificial heart valves
- A history of infective endocarditis (infection of the lining of the heart or heart valves)
- Certain congenital heart defects (present at birth)
If your doctor has a specific recommendation, we are happy to work with them to ensure that we take the proper precautions for your condition. In some cases, we may recommend a medical consult to ensure that you receive the proper medication and dosage.
If you have any concerns, please speak to one of our team members before your appointment and we will make sure you receive proper care. If your health status changes, be sure to let us know so we can update your chart. Similarly, if during review of your health history we find any need for premedication, we will be sure to let you know.
