{"id":50,"date":"2020-07-05T21:53:03","date_gmt":"2020-07-05T21:53:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.torringtondentalcare.com\/blog\/?p=50"},"modified":"2020-08-04T21:55:25","modified_gmt":"2020-08-04T21:55:25","slug":"antibiotics-before-tooth-extraction-torrington","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.torringtondentalcare.com\/blog\/2020\/07\/05\/antibiotics-before-tooth-extraction-torrington\/","title":{"rendered":"Will I Need Antibiotics Before My Tooth Extraction?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Antibiotics Prevent Infections<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, keep in mind that most people do not need AP. That is because in the majority of cases, the body\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who Needs AP?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s body. Therefore, dentists only recommend AP when its benefits outweigh its risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n