Volume 14.2

May. 2007

New Guidelines for taking Antibiotics for Dental/Medical

Treatment

In April 2007 the American Heart Association drastically revised it’s guidelines regarding the taking of antibiotics prior to dental treatment (medical procedures too!).  If you currently take antibiotics you will probably no longer need to do so according to the new guidelines. 

Do not assume that this is true in your individual case and we will let you know prior to your appointment whether you need to or not.  Most patients who currently take prophylactic antibiotics prior to dental procedures do so because they have a heart murmur, mitral valve prolapse, or a joint replacement.  If you are taking antibiotics for any of these reasons, according to the American Heart Association guidelines you will no longer need to do so. 

The conditions that will still require taking antibiotics prior to most dental procedures include having a prosthetic (replaced) cardiac (heart) valve, having had infectious endocarditis previously, certain forms of congenital (present at birth) heart disease, and cardiac transplantation patients, who develop cardiac valvulopathy 

The guideline for which medical conditions, procedures, drugs and dosages and have changed numerous times over the years.  The studies that are done to determine treatment are

to patients, who were already treated.  It is not possible to do an ethical study where some patients serve as a control group and are not given drugs that are believed to be needed.  It is based on new information that is observed in these historical studies that recommendations are changed. 

Since this information serves as a guideline and the information is not absolute, if you have any questions or concerns regarding your specific situation you should speak to your physician.  In certain cases your physician may choose to continue to recommend antibiotics even if it does not fall within the recommended guidelines.  We will be happy to discuss this with you or your physician, but there will probably be some cases where maintaining antibiotics prior to treatment will be considered prudent. 

In summary if you are taking antibiotics since you have a heart murmur, mitral valve prolapse, or an artificial joint (not valve) you will be safe to discontinue taking antibiotics prior to treatment.  For any other condition we recommend you consult either our office and/or your physician.

CAPITAL ONE Financing

For your convenience we now offer Capital One financing to help make your dental care more affordable.  For any specific questions please speak to  Rose.