Skip to main content

Antibiotic Prophylaxis

Our antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines help protect certain patients from infection during dental procedures. This preventive approach involves taking antibiotics shortly before treatment to reduce the risk of bacteria spreading from the mouth into the bloodstream.

It’s typically recommended for people with specific heart conditions, such as artificial heart valves, a history of infective endocarditis, certain congenital heart defects, or a heart transplant with valve problems. For most patients with joint replacements, it’s no longer routinely needed, though your surgeon or physician may advise otherwise.

Before any procedure, we review your health history to determine whether you need this precaution. When needed, we coordinate with your doctor to choose the right medication and timing.

Who Needs Antibiotic Prophylaxis?

People who may need antibiotic prophylaxis usually have factors that put them at a higher risk of infection than the general population. These factors include:

  • Very young or very old age
  • Poor nutrition
  • Obesity
  • Diabetes
  • Smoking, or a history of smoking
  • Existing infection, even if it is in a different part of the body
  • Recent surgery
  • Extended hospital stay before the procedure
  • Certain congenital heart conditions
  • Compromised immune system
  • Artificial heart valves
  • History of infection in the heart valves
  • Heart transplants that have led to problems with the heart valves

You’ve probably noticed that the list seems to emphasize the heart valves. This is because for certain patients, infective endocarditis, or an infection of the heart valves, can be a very grave risk. This infection can become very serious very quickly, so the risk of it is always something we consider if we think a patient may need antibiotic prophylaxis.

How Is It Given?

Most likely, your doctor will prescribe you a pill before your appointment that you will take orally. They may have you continue to take antibiotics afterward in order to be extra cautious. If you forget to take your antibiotics before your procedure, your doctor will simply provide them to you at the office, though you will have to wait a while for them to kick in.

How Do I Know If I Need Antibiotic Prophylaxis?

This will be determined by your doctor. During your initial consultation, they will ask about any existing medical conditions you have, and will decide if you are at a high risk for developing an infection. If they think you are, they will provide you a prescription along with a pre-procedure plan so that you’ll be ready and protected by the time you come in for your treatment.

Afterward, still keep an eye out for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, fever, or pain. If you experience any of these, please be sure to call us immediately.

Stay Protected With Our Antibiotic Prophylaxis Guidelines

Our antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines help keep your dental care safe. Contact Deer Park Family Dentistry with any questions about your health history.

If you’d like to know more about how we use antibiotic prophylaxis or want to know if it would be right for you, please give us a call today. We’re always happy to answer any of your questions.

Request Appointment