Do you need antibiotics before dental work that you’re about to have completed? Certain patients may be at a higher risk of developing bacterial infections after treatment, which is why the American Dental Association and American Heart Association both recommend that patients with certain medical conditions and risk factors take antibiotics before their treatment. However, it’s not something that’s recommended for every patient. Read on to learn whether you should consider antibiotics before your dental procedure and how the process works.
What are Antibiotics?
Antibiotics are medicines that act to kill or keep bacteria from reproducing to prevent infections from forming and spreading. In your body, you have a massive microbiome that contains countless bacteria that are both good and bad. The bad ones can infect almost any organ, creating complications after procedures and serious illnesses that can progress and spread to other parts of the body if they aren’t addressed. Some of these include:
- Sinus and ear infections.
- Dental infections.
- Pneumonia.
- Strep throat.
In your case, you’re probably most concerned about dental infections. When you aren’t able to adequately fight off harmful oral bacteria, it allows them to reproduce and attack your gums and the roots of your teeth, causing issues like painful toothaches and gum disease. Not only can this impact your mouth, but it can also spread to affect other areas of your body if it’s not treated in its early stages.
Who is at a Higher Risk of Infection?
Not everyone requires antibiotics before their dental treatment. The patients who are at the highest risk of developing an infection after a procedure are ones who aren’t able to fight off bacteria as well. Here are some factors that can put a patient at a higher risk of infection:
- Very young or old in age.
- Poor nutrition.
- Obesity.
- Diabetes.
- Tobacco use.
- Existing infection, even if it’s not an oral infection.
- Recent surgery.
- Certain congenital heart conditions.
- Medical history of infections in the heart valves.
How are the Antibiotics Administered?
During your initial consultation, before your dental procedure is scheduled, your dentist will assess your medical history. They’ll do this by asking you about any current conditions you may have and decide whether you’re at a high risk of developing an infection after your treatment. If they feel this is the case, they’ll submit an antibiotic prescription for you to pick up and provide you with pre-procedure instructions to make sure you’re adequately protected by the time of your appointment. They’ll also provide you with a list of signs to look out for while you’re healing from your procedure. This will allow you to spot an infection and get it treated before it jeopardizes your overall wellbeing.
If you have any questions or would like to learn whether you can benefit from taking antibiotics before your dental procedure, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist. They’ll be able to provide you with all of the information you need, so you can rest assured that you’re protected from harmful bacteria.
About the Author
Dr. Jane Reeves has always been passionate about forming meaningful and long-lasting relationships with her patients. She has decades of experience under her belt, allowing her patients to feel safe and well-cared for when they come to visit her. She prioritizes her patients’ wellbeing and focuses on providing high-quality and thorough dental care that they can trust. For questions about taking antibiotics before dental work or to schedule a consultation, visit Deer Park Family Dentistry’s website or call 281-479-2841.