antibiotics before dental procedures.

My dentist insists that I take amoxicillin 200 mg before any dental procedure. I think that this is outdated. My cardiologist has never informed me of such . Opinions? Trish

11 Comments

Antibiotics

by Good Dog - 2015-10-06 11:10:12

Yes, I think you are correct.
I had shoulder replacement surgery and needed to take antibiotics for two years due to an implant in the bone. It is necessary for bone involvement.

Not so with the pacemaker implant. At least, not that I know of. Perhaps someone will correct me if I am wrong.

Dave

Another one who doesn't

by Lurch - 2015-10-07 04:10:15

Had to change Dentist recently (old one retired). On my first visit she refused to do anything because I had not taken antibiotics prior to the my visit. I informed her that my Cardiologist had told me it was not necessary and discussed the overuse of antibiotics and the problems they can create.

She still refused so I told her to call my Cardiologist. She did, he told her what he had told me. I changed Dentist...

Not needed

by golden_snitch - 2015-10-07 06:10:54

It's not even outdated since antibiotic prophylaxis was NEVER recommended, if you have a pacemaker or defibrillator only.

There are very very few conditions for which it's still recommended, including for instance if you have already had an endocarditis or if you have an artificial valve.

Lurch........

by Tattoo Man - 2015-10-07 07:10:44


....this forum is no stranger to outdated / outmoded info / wisdom..

..Were it not for the cumulative factual knowledge that PM Club can contribute...just how many people across the world are getting Duff / Out of date / Urban Myth info....??

Dump your dentist.

Tattoo Man

Not only is it unnecessary

by IAN MC - 2015-10-07 07:10:52

but it is also irresponsible practice, Overuse of antibiotics by dentists is one of the contributory factors which has led to the worrying growth in antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Amoxycillin is not nearly as effective as it was for that reason . Some common bacteria are now totally resistant to it !

Challenge your dentist, Trish, and refuse to take it ! Antibiotics should ONLY be prescribed for people who really need them.

Ian

Hi Trish....

by Tattoo Man - 2015-10-07 08:10:39


...up until about 6 years ago I was obliged to take...wait for it...3000 mg of Amoxicillin..even before a visit to the hygienist.

Yup Three Grams of antibiotic...crazy.. the insurance companies came to their senses though and now, as the others have said 'Cover' is no longer needed.

I have a tissue replacement valve..not 'artificial'...still not needed.

Best wishes

Tattoo Man

old news

by Tracey_E - 2015-10-07 12:10:23

Unless you have an artificial valve or are having major work done, it's unnecessary according to both AHA and ADA. Your dentist does not sound very up to date, this change was made years ago.

Don't Need It

by MathTeacher - 2015-10-07 12:10:34

Hi,

Check with your cardiologist, but I was told I didn't need it.

antibiotics

by judyblue - 2015-10-07 12:10:52

my dentist insisted too, but cardiologist said unnecessary.

antibiotics

by capman - 2015-10-08 08:10:04

As a practicing dental surgeon I can tell you that years ago we were told that the evidence for serious heart complications following dental treatment did not exist and that they should stop being prescribed. They have never been required for someone with a pacemaker. Find another dentist who knows what they are talking about.

antibiotics

by fox30 - 2015-10-26 11:10:25

As best I can tell neither the ADA or the AHA recommend antibiotics in general. I wonder if there is an argument for antibiotics regarding dental implants.(Here the indication is to prevent implant site infection not endocarditis prevention.

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