Premedication for Dental Procedures

Premedication with an antibiotic prior to dental treatment is sometimes necessary for a number of medical conditions, such as, but not limited to, heart conditions, joint replacements (knee, hip, shoulder, etc.), implants (breast, etc.), and some types of chemotherapy treatments for cancer.

Premedication is used to prevent the risk of bacterial endocarditis and infection of prosthetic joints. During dental procedures, sometimes   bleeding may occur. As a result, bacteria from the mouth may enter the bloodstream and work its way to the heart, joint replacement, or implant. This presents a risk for some persons with cardiac abnormalities because the bacteria may cause bacterial endocarditis, a serious inflammation of the heart valves or tissues.

The premedication guidelines are forever changing. It is very important that you discuss with your doctor these changes and discuss with West Lakes Dentistry any changes you have had to your health history, so that we may provide you with the best and safest care.

Indications for Premedication:

• Recent heart surgery (within six months)
• Artificial heart valve
• Previous bacterial endocarditis
• Systemic pulmonary shunt
• Within six months of vascular surgery
• Congenital heart defect
• Implants (including joint and breast implant) within 2 years
• Joint replacement and lupus
• Joint replacement and diabetes
• Joint replacement and hemophilia
• Joint replacement and HIV
• Immune system weekend by disease, drugs, radiation, or chemotherapy

Procedures to Premedicate for: Premedication is recommended for all dental procedures where bleeding may occur, such as, but not limited to, cleaning, probing, fillings, crowns, extractions, local anesthetic, or root canal therapy.

Benefits: Premedication with an antibiotic may reduce the risk of bacterial endocarditis.

Common Risks: Bacterial endocarditis, a serious inflammation of the heart valves/tissues or bacterial infection of the prosthetic joint. Also, frequent use of systemic antibiotics can cause bacterial resistance, anaphylaxis.

Consequences of not performing these procedures: Bacterial infection of the heart, joint, or implant area.

Please select those that apply: