Antibiotics before each dentist appointment??

Question

Does anyone of you are required to take antibiotics before each dentist appointment? I have a minor heart murmur, and my physician signed off the release form as it is okay for me to take them. I didn't see her personally at the time (I had no appoitment because she was busy and the receptionist helped me to get the release form filled.

I just saw a cardiologist for the first time and she laughed about the antibiotics. She says that there is no reason for me to take them. She also said that I had nothing and she just dismissed me because according to her, I am too young (I am 26) to have any serious heart condition. I didn't like her too much because she didn't seem to be serious for many reasons. According to her, my blood pressure was fine (she was so fast to check it), although when the nurse checked my blood pressure 10 min ago, it was 110/86.

My dentist insists that I would use antibiotics every single time I come in, although I would rather not do so, it it's unncessary.

I just feel like nobody really cares.

Are the antibiotics bad for you to use so often? I used twice in one month already, and I will have to take two more times at least in October.

Answer 1

I have to take antibiotics every time I go to the dentist because I had a kidney transplant, and my immune system has been knocked out. When you get your teeth cleaned or have dental work done, it opens your gums and mouth up to bacteria and infection. If you have a heart problem, getting bacteria into your blood stream could be very harmful. Taking the antibiotics regularly isn't bad if the dosing is watched. I take an antibiotic every day to prevent urinary tract infections.

If you question the doctor you went to, get a second opinion. It sounds like she was very quick to dismiss you based on your age. My husband had a heart attack at 32. He was way too young for that. He had had doctors in the past tell him he didn't have a heart problem. We found out after his heart attack that he has a disease where all of his blood vessels are too small, and get blocked quicker than normal. If it would have been caught sooner, he may never have had his heart attack. Get a second opinion just to put your mind at ease. If there really is a problem, you need the proper treatment.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Hi I have been taking Antibiotics before dental work for the passed 32yrs. Its all to do with the proximity of the Thorax and the hart and teeth. In November about 5 years ago I got a letter from The Royal Melbourne Hospital where I had been attending clinics for 4 years to be ready for surgery within 14 days and return the a form included with the letter signed by my Dentist. I arranged a visit and took my 3gram pack of antibiotics 1 hr before my scale and clean and examination.
My Dentist wrote on the form that there was work to do on my teeth but he was quite happy with my dental condition and I made an appointment for 3 months time to do a couple of fillings.
When nothing happened with the Surgery I continued working and went to the Cardiac Clinic 2 weeks after Christmas. The consultants were upset because I had come to the post op appointment and had not had my op. It seems that when the Surgeon saw the work needs doing bit on the form I was taken off the operating list but no one told me. I went back to my Dentist and made a new appointment. I took some more antibiotics and was given a huge fix up that included and new work and replacement of old fillings. The Dentist signed the form I attended surgery and had a Mitral valve replaced on the 4th of February 2003.
I see my dentist every 6 months I get an examination and a clean. If I need work done I make an appointment take the antibiotics 1 hr before and get the work done so make visiting your dentist part of your long term health strategy. Don't wait till you have tooth aches and need work doing before you visit the dentist. As having inflammation of the Thorax / a sore throat are a big problem if you have an existing hart problem. Dental work means that the teeth have become an infection site and its too close for comfort. Take the antibiotics and be happy a bit of extra fiber to help things keep moving and you'll be right mate.

Clapper

Answer 3

Some conditions require prophylactic antibiotics as in renal disease on dialysis. There are some heart conditions that require it also. However, if you do not have a pre-existing disease, I would not take them. Sometimes if a tooth is infected badly a Dentist may prescribe them. For those with chronic health conditions it is usually one dose like one ho ur before the procedure.

Answer 4

You need to get a second opinion. If you are going to the dentist before the second opinion then you need to take the antibiotics. I also take antibiotics because I have hydrocephalus and have a shunt that goes from my brain to my heart.

Answer 5

I myself need to take antibiotics before any dental work is done on me. the reason is that people with heart disease is more prone to infections than to a normal person. you can take antibiotics its ok it wont harm you. and for your cardiologist i suggest you find another DR. or get a second opionion. good luck

Answer 6

As I understand it , the only time prophylactic antibiotic is required prior to dental work is when/if you suffer from heart valve problems which cause regurgitation within the heart. This type problem could allow bacterium to accumulate in the heart.

Answer 7

ask your dentist what is it for because antibiotic is for bacterail infections. it is normal to take it after minor/major operations to prevent from having an infection due to open wound.

when dealing with antibiotics you should consult your doctor because taking it more than the situation needs might lead resistance of the strain of bacteria.