Antibiotic Prophylaxis For Dental Procedures: Factors To Consider

Posted by Ebony Fallon on Dec 16, 2018 in Medicine | 0 comments

The use of antibiotics before dental procedures is a preventive medical measure used to reduce the risk of endocarditis or infection of the prosthetic joint. Most dental procedures are invasive, which means that some of the germs found in the mouth can find their way into the bloodstream and infect other parts of the body. Therefore, when antibiotics are administered before a procedure, the risks for infection are reduced. However, current studies in dentistry have challenged the effectiveness of the intervention in reducing infections on the basis that it can cause adverse drug reaction or promote resistance to antibiotics.

Definition of key terms

– Endocarditis: the condition is characterized by the infection of the tissue lining the inner part of the heart as a result of exposure to infected blood.

– Prosthetic joint infection occurs when the point of the prosthetic joint gets infected with bacteria from other parts of the body present in the blood.

Prosthetic Joint Infection

Generally, prophylaxis is not recommended for patients with prosthetic implants. Here are important factors to consider.

– History of complications: patients with a history of difficulties should not be given an antibiotic regimen before a dental procedure.
– Type of the antibiotic: not all antibiotics are appropriate for all patients. Therefore, the dentist should consult with an orthopedic on the most appropriate medicine.

Endocarditis

Studies show that a tiny percentage of the population will require prophylaxis before a dental procedure to prevent endocarditis. Factors to consider are:

– Drug reactions: if there is the possibility that the patient will react negatively to the antibiotic, then it should not be administered.

– The outcome of endocarditis; some patients have other heart conditions that could be worsened in case their heart lining gets infected. In such a case, prophylaxis is highly recommended.

Antibacterial prophylaxis should only be considered in specific situations where the benefits outweigh the risks. If the procedure can lead to harmful drug reactions or lead to drug resistance, the system should be ignored.

Check out DW Dentist Kellyville’s website if you need professional help in maintaining your oral health. Contact them today.