For quite a few years, dentists recommended that many patients take antibiotics before undergoing certain treatments, such as tooth extractions in Plymouth. In 2012, however, a significant change in thinking took place. Current guidelines from the American Hospital Association (AHA) recommended a more conservative approach to the use of antibiotics. In this blog post, we will discuss why pre-procedure antibiotics are necessary for only a small percentage of patients.
Antibiotics and Infection Prevention
Antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) is the term that describes the practice of patients taking a course of antibiotics prior to certain major dental or medical procedure. Such procedures might let bacteria sneak into the main bloodstream and cause infections, leading to a dangerous condition called bacteremia. Bacteremia can even affect the heart and lead to life-threatening complications, including an infection of the heart lining known as infective endocarditis. AP reduces the risk that such a serious situation will occur.
However, in most patients, the body’s immune system is more than capable of killing harmful bacteria in the blood before it poses a serious threat. AP is only a true necessity for a small minority of dental patients.
Who Needs AP?
Before a dentist prescribes AP, they must weigh both its risks and its benefits. While AP is very helpful in some cases, it does have some potential drawbacks. For example, some patients do not respond well to antibiotics. There is also a minor chance that antibiotic-resistant bacteria could develop within the patient’s body. With such issues in mind, dentists only prescribe AP when its potential advantages outweigh its downsides.
AP is generally only recommended for patients with certain heart conditions that increase their chances of suffering from serious bacteremia. Such conditions include:
- Prosthetic heart valves
- A history of infective endocarditis
- Certain congenital heart problems
- Repaired congenital heart problems that still have residual defects
- A cardiac transplant that has developed a problem in a heart valve
Other heart conditions, including heart murmurs, rheumatic heart disease, and mitral valve prolapse, do not usually call for AP.
Talk to Your Dentist About AP
The vast majority of patients who undergo a tooth extraction or other major dental procedure do quite well without AP. However, if you have concerns about how your oral health treatment might affect your heart or other bodily systems, talk to your dentist in Plymouth. They will be glad to take the time to answer your questions and ensure that you are a well-informed patient. They are deeply interested in your overall health and want you to feel confident about any treatment you undergo.
About the Author
Dr. Steve Aveni earned his dental degree from Georgetown University School of Dentistry. In the more than 40 years since then, he has shown a true dedication to providing modern, comfortable, and health-conscious treatment to every patient who entrusts him with the well-being of their teeth, gums, and overall wellness. To learn more about Dr. Aveni and how he approaches dental treatments (including AP), contact our team at 508-746-1918.