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Antibiotics Before Procedures


About this topic


Germs are all around, even in our mouths. When we brush our teeth or have a dental procedure, these germs can get into our blood and make us sick. Check with your doctor before you go to the dentist. This is very important if your dentist will be working on your gums or around your teeth. ‚  
You may need to take an antibiotic before you go to the dentist or have surgery. You may need an antibiotic if you have: ‚  
  • A replacement heart valve, a shunt or conduit
  • Heart disease since you were born that has not been repaired
  • Had a heart transplant and now have problems with the valves in your heart
  • Had an infection called endocarditis in the past
  • An artificial joint

General


There are also times when you go to the dentist and you do NOT need to take an antibiotic. You may not need one for: ‚  
  • Routine cleaning
  • X-rays
  • Braces
  • Losing a baby tooth

What will the results be?


When you take an antibiotic before your procedure, you are less likely to get an infection. ‚  

Will there be any other care needed?


Always check with your doctor or dentist if you have questions or are not sure if you need to take antibiotics before a procedure. Your doctor may suggest you carry a medical card that says you need antibiotics before a procedure. ‚  

What problems could happen?


  • Infection of the heart. This is called infective endocarditis or bacterial endocarditis.
  • Infection of an artificial joint. This can lead to joint failure.

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills.
  • Trouble breathing
  • Swelling in the feet or legs
  • Red or brown urine
  • Trouble speaking
  • Weakness or numbness in 1 or both arms
  • New skin marks or bumps on hands, fingers, feet, or toes
  • You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse

Where can I learn more?


American Dental Association ‚  
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/h/heart-disease-and-oral-health ‚  
http://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/antibiotic-prophylaxis ‚  
UpToDate ‚  
http://www.uptodate.com/contents/antibiotics-before-procedures-beyond-the-basics?source=see_link ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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