Dr. Mogell Dental Blog

Boca Raton Cosmetic Dentist

Do you take antibiotics before your appointments?

Monday, July 02, 2007

Are you one the of many individuals that has been told by your physician that you need to take antibiotics prior to any dental appointment? If so, you should be aware that changes have been made to the recommendation by the American Heart Association. Posted below are the new advisements. Should you have any questions you should contact your physician for further clarificiation.

The current practice of giving patients antibiotics prior to a dental procedure is no longer recommended EXCEPT for patients with the highest risk of adverse outcomes resulting from Bacterial Endocarditis (see below on this card). The American Heart Association recognizes the importance of good oral and dental health and regular visits to the dentist for patients at risk of Bacterial Endocarditis.
Antibiotic prophylaxis with dental procedures is recommended only for patients with cardiac conditions associated with the highest risk of adverse outcomes from endocarditis, including:
Prosthetic cardiac valve
Previous endocarditis
Congenital heart disease only in the following categories:
–Unrepaired cyanotic congenital heart disease, including those with palliative shunts and conduits
–Completely repaired congenital heart disease with prosthetic material or device, whether placed by surgery or catheter intervention, during the first six months after the procedure*
–Repaired congenital heart disease with residual defects at the site or adjacent to the site of a prosthetic patch or prosthetic device (which inhibit endothelialization)
Cardiac transplantation recipients with cardiac valvular disease
*Prophylaxis is recommended because endothelialization of prosthetic material occurs within six months after the procedure.
Regimen – Single dose 30–60 minutes before procedure
Oral
Amoxicillin
2 gm

Allergic to penicillins or ampicillin –
Oral regimen

Cephalexin**†
2 g

OR

Clindamycin
600 mg

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.