Submitted by Emil Verban, Jr., DDS, McLean County Dental
Many people should be taking an antibiotic before having dental treatment. Unfortunately, many are not aware of this fact. This is why your dentist will ask if you’ve had any recent surgeries or heart problems. You may be thinking, “What does it matter if I had my hip replaced six months ago. I just need my teeth cleaned!” Well, it may matter… a lot. And here’s why.
The inside of your mouth has all kinds of bacteria. Dental treatment — even routine cleanings — can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream through the gums. This isn’t usually a problem as the immune system normally prevents the bacteria from causing any sort of infection. But for some people under certain conditions, these bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause an infection in another part of the body.
Premedication — also known as antibiotic prophylaxis — is medication that is taken before an invasive dental or medical procedure. Taking an antibiotic before dental work such as extractions, root canals, denture repairs or implants is standard procedure to help keep the bacteria in your mouth from spreading to the rest of your body.
Patients are usually instructed to have dental work done prior to their joint replacement surgery to prevent possible infection in the area of the joint replacement. But it can be easy to forget or overlook that information amid all the other paperwork. If significant dental work should need to be done shortly after having a joint replaced, you would be at an increased risk for infection. So don’t put off making that appointment. In addition, people with an artificial joint may be at an increased risk for developing an infection in the area of the joint for about two years after surgery.
Antibiotic prophylaxis is also recommended for people with certain heart conditions to prevent a serious heart infection. However, the guidelines for who should take antibiotics prior to dental work have recently changed; therefore, it is extremely important for your dentist to know your medical history. Your dentist will work together with your physician to determine if premedication is right for you. Premedication is a precaution against infection caused by bacteria in the mouth. While this step is not necessary for most patients, for others, it can help avoid serious health problems.
So next time your dentist asks you if you’ve had any recent surgeries or heart problems, you’ll know why.
For more information, you may contact Emil Verban, Jr., DDS at 309-662-8448 or visit www.mcleancountydental.com. McLean County Dental is located at 2103 E. Washington Street in Bloomington. Dr. Verban provides his patients both general dentistry expertise and the ability to provide specialized services such as cosmetic procedures and dental implants.
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