Diamons

infectious endocarditis

Photography by Dr. Padval

Antibiotics before Dental Procedures?

Know the Guidelines If in the past your doctor has prescribed antibiotics before you had dental work, don't assume that your future holds more such meds. The guidelines may have changed since your last appointment… so check with your family doctor or cardiologist to learn if premedication is necessary for you. For years the American Heart Association (AHA) recommended an antibiotic regime before dentistry for certain heart patients. But recently the AHA rewrote its guidelines, and the American Dental Association adopted them, agreeing that [...]

By |2017-10-24T00:00:55-07:00October 24, 2017|Patient Education|

Heart Disease and Dental Care

Do I need to take an antibiotic before my dental appointment? Patients who have had rheumatic fever, heart murmur, heart valve replacement or orthopedic joint replacement are at risk for a condition called infectious endocarditis. The American Dental Association recommends these patients take a “pre-med” prior to dental work. Here’s why: Bacteria which normally inhabit a mouth can get into your bloodstream during the simplest dental procedure. When that bacteria travels to the heart it might affect the heart or joints. Pre-medication works to [...]

By |2014-07-15T00:00:49-07:00July 15, 2014|Patient Education|