PREMEDICATION BEFORE DENTAL TREATMENT

PREMEDICATION

Antibiotics Before Dental Treatment

Your physician or dentist may recommend that you follow special steps at home before your dental visit to safeguard your health. These steps may include taking antibiotics before your appointment. Administration of an antibiotic prophylaxis before dental procedures is commonly called premedication.

Here's why premedication is required for some patients. Any time there is bleeding in the mouth, oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream and travel to the heart.

What is infective endocarditis?

Infective endocarditis is an infection of the heart's inner lining (endocardium) or the heart valves. This can damage or even destroy your heart valves.

How does it occur?

Infective endocarditis occurs when bacteria in the bloodstream (bacteremia) lodge on abnormal heart valves or other damaged heart tissue. Certain bacteria normally live on parts of your body, such as the mouth and upper respiratory system, the intestinal and urinary tracts, and the skin. Some surgical and dental procedures cause a brief bacteremia. Bacteremia is common after many invasive procedures, but only certain bacteria commonly cause endocarditis.