Prophylactic Antibiotics Prior to Dental Treatment - Who Needs This?
Posted on 12/16/2024 by Bellevue Office
When it comes to your dental health, you want to do everything you can to keep your smile healthy and strong.
This includes brushing and flossing regularly, eating a healthy diet, and seeing your dentist for regular checkups.
But did you know that there are certain situations where your dentist may recommend taking antibiotics before a dental procedure?
This is called prophylactic antibiotic therapy, and it's used to help prevent infections.
What are prophylactic antibiotics?
Prophylactic antibiotics are medications that are taken before a medical or dental procedure to help prevent infection.
They work by killing bacteria that may be present in the mouth or bloodstream. This can help to reduce the risk of infection after a procedure, such as a tooth extraction or a dental implant placement.
Who needs prophylactic antibiotics before dental treatment?
Not everyone needs prophylactic antibiotics before dental treatment. In general, they are only recommended for people who are at a higher risk of developing an infection.
This includes people with:
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Artificial heart valves
•
Congenital heart defects
•
Joint replacements
•
Weakened immune systems
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History of infective endocarditis
If you have any of these conditions, it is important to talk to our dentists about whether you need prophylactic antibiotics before your next dental appointment.
What are the risks of taking prophylactic antibiotics?
Like all medications, prophylactic antibiotics can have side effects. These can include:
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Nausea
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Vomiting
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Diarrhea
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Rash
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Yeast infection
In rare cases, prophylactic antibiotics can also lead to serious side effects, such as allergic reactions or antibiotic resistance. It is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking prophylactic antibiotics before your next dental appointment.
How are prophylactic antibiotics taken?
If our dentists recommend that you take prophylactic antibiotics before your dental treatment, they will give you specific instructions on how to take them.
It is important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure that you are taking the medication correctly.
Conclusion
Prophylactic antibiotics can be an important part of preventing infections after certain dental procedures. However, they are not necessary for everyone.
If you have any questions about whether you need prophylactic antibiotics, talk to our dentists! They can help you decide what is best for you.
Dentist Bellevue • About Cooley Smiles Bellevue For over 35 years, we've built a reputation for delivering quality general and cosmetic dental services available. Call or schedule an appointment today! Cooley Smiles, 4100 Factoria Blvd SE, Suite C, Bellevue, WA 98006-1262 - (425) 998-6998 - cooleysmiles.com - 1/8/2025 - Key Phrases: dental office, dental office in bellevue wa, dental clinic
When it comes to your dental health, you want to do everything you can to keep your smile healthy and strong. 
