For many years, dentists recommended that many patients take a course of antibiotics before undergoing major treatment, such as tooth extractions in Torrington. However, in 2012, a change in thinking took place. Current guidelines from the American Hospital Association reflect a wiser understanding of when antibiotics should be prescribed. In this blog post, we will discuss why antibiotics are sometimes necessary prior to dental procedures and whether it is likely that you will need to take them.
Antibiotics Prevent Infections
Antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) is the practice of patients taking antibiotics before a major medical or dental procedure. Such procedures might allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream and cause infections in other parts of the body (a condition called bacteremia). In severe cases, the bacteria can enter the heart and lead to life-threatening complications. AP reduces the risk that such serious circumstances will occur.
However, keep in mind that most people do not need AP. That is because in the majority of cases, the body’s immune system is quite capable of killing harmful bacteria in the bloodstream before it causes any damage. Only a small percentage of dental patients truly require AP.
Who Needs AP?
Most dentists favor a conservative approach when it comes to AP. They understand that prescribing antibiotics comes with its own risks. For example, some patients have an adverse reaction to antibiotics. There is also a small chance that antibiotic-resistant bacteria could develop in a patient’s body. Therefore, dentists only recommend AP when its benefits outweigh its risks.
Patients with certain heart conditions are at a high risk of suffering from serious bacteremia, and these are the ones who benefit most from AP. If you have any of the following heart conditions, it is likely that your dentist in Torrington will recommend AP for you:
- Artificial heart valves
- A history of infective endocarditis
- Certain congenital heart problems
- A cardiac transplant that has a problem in a heart valve.
Other heart conditions, such as murmurs, mitral valve prolapse, rheumatic heart disease, bicuspid valve disease, calcified aortic stenosis, do not usually call for AP.
Talk to Your Dentist About Any Concerns
The vast majority of patients who undergo tooth extractions or other significant dental procedures suffer no complications. However, if you have concerns about how your oral health treatment may affect the rest of your body, feel free to discuss these with your dentist. They will be happy to take the time to answer your questions so you can commit to your dental care with confidence.
About the Author
Dr. Virginia Graicerstein has decades of experience in dentistry. She is a graduate of the prestigious New York University College of Dentistry. Her advanced skills qualify her to handle a broad range of treatments, including extractions and other types of surgery. She always considers her patients’ overall well-being, as well as their dental health, when she is designing treatment plans. To learn more about Dr. Graicerstein and the services that we offer at Torrington Dental Care, contact us at 860-489-8940.