Occasionally, we may prescribe certain medications to be taken in the days leading up to your scheduled dental procedure. Why? Because some dental treatments can open up your bloodstream to the naturally occurring bacteria in your mouth, possibly causing infection or other complications.
Antibiotic prophylaxis is the term for this type of medication when it’s taken to build up your body’s defenses prior to a dental treatment. Preventative antibiotics may be suggested for patients with heart problems, especially those who have undergone a transplant or surgery for artificial heart valves. Patients with orthopedic implants, such as an artificial knee or hip, may also be good candidates for antibiotic prophylaxis, but these situations are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Finally, be sure to ask us about preventative antibiotics if you have any type of immune system deficiency or a compromised immune system. While there are of course risks with any procedure and medication, antibiotics taken before a particular procedure can help the healing process tremendously when used appropriately.
