Dental antibiotic prophylaxis

Dental antibiotic prophylaxis is a preventive measure taken to avoid bacterial infections in the heart, which can be caused by bacteria entering the bloodstream during dental procedures. This is particularly important for individuals with certain heart conditions, as they are at a higher risk of developing infective endocarditis, a potentially life-threatening infection of the heart's inner lining or valves.

Indications[edit | edit source]

Dental antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended for individuals with certain heart conditions, including:

Artificial heart valves
A history of infective endocarditis
Certain specific, serious congenital heart conditions
Heart transplant recipients who develop a problem with a heart valve
Individuals with prosthetic material used in valve repair

Procedure[edit | edit source]

The antibiotics are usually administered orally, about an hour before the dental procedure. The type of antibiotic used can vary, but it is typically amoxicillin. For those allergic to amoxicillin, clindamycin is often used as an alternative.

Risks[edit | edit source]

While dental antibiotic prophylaxis can prevent serious infection, it is not without risks. These can include allergic reactions to the antibiotics used and the development of antibiotic resistance.

References[edit | edit source]

Dental antibiotic prophylaxis Resources
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