As a dentist, I meet patients every day who are not familiar with the regulations of antibiotic prophylaxis. Patients do not know if premedication with antibiotics is necessary for them due to a medical condition or procedure they had done. I hope to shed some light on the most up-to-date indications for antibiotic prophylaxis as they have changed considerably by the American Dental Association, American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons and American Heart Association (or by the corresponding national associations).
Antibiotic prophylaxis (or premedication) is the act of taking antibiotics one-hour before certain dental procedures like cleanings, extractions, and root canals. The bacteria we naturally have occurring in our mouths can enter our bloodstream due to everyday things we do like eating, brushing, flossing along with dental treatments mentioned earlier. For the healthy immune system, this bacteria will not cause harm; however, it can pose a risk to those immune-compromi…
Antibiotic prophylaxis (or premedication) is the act of taking antibiotics one-hour before certain dental procedures like cleanings, extractions, and root canals. The bacteria we naturally have occurring in our mouths can enter our bloodstream due to everyday things we do like eating, brushing, flossing along with dental treatments mentioned earlier. For the healthy immune system, this bacteria will not cause harm; however, it can pose a risk to those immune-compromi…