2007-10-16 06:22:57 · 8 answers · asked by cameraman 2 in Health ➔ Dental
Penicillin and other antibiotics are encouraged as prophylaxis(taking meds before you get the disease) to prevent sub-acute endocarditis. Patients with heart valve problems can develop bacteria on their heart valves. Their heart valves don't open and close correctly so bacteria can latch onto them and then grow. Strep. viridans (a type of strep mutans) is bacteria that is only found in the mouth. Patients who undergo dental procedures could expose this mouth bacteria to the blood stream which will then travel to the heart and other areas causing this Subacute Endocarditis. It's also encouraged in patients who are immunocompromised or have had or will endure surgery.
2007-10-16 06:27:07 · answer #1 · answered by Doctor Common Sense 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
There are many bacteria in the mouth that can do serious harm to you. I know when I had a heart valve problem, I would have to be on antibiotics a few days before any surgery or dental work, to prevent infections. It's a precaution that should be taken.
2007-10-16 06:27:29 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The conditions most common for premeding with antibiotics are heart valve replacement, other heart problem issues, knee and hip replacement (if primary Dr. recommends it)severe diabetics, kidney patients,etc - to mention a few.
The bacteria from the mouth can compromise these weakened areas and it is thought that using a premed dose of antibiotics help to protect these issues.
2007-10-16 07:25:08 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
THE MOST COMMON REASON TO TAKE ANTIBIOTICS PRIOR TO A DENTAL VISIT WHERE BACTERIA MIGHT BE INTRODUCED INTO THE BLOOD IS TO PREVENT BACTERIAL ENDOCARDITIS--A VERY SERIOUS INFECTION FOR WHICH HOSPITALIZATION IS NEEDED.
2007-10-16 06:51:01 · answer #4 · answered by Dr. Albert, DDS, (USA) 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If he/she is doing a procedure with high risk for infection or if the result of infection has high potential for severe consequences. I suppose he could also be having an affair with the pharmacists ;)
2007-10-16 06:27:18 · answer #5 · answered by kau1965 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
my son has recently had a pacemaker put in and he has to take mega doses of antibiotics before any dental visit
2007-10-16 06:31:09 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
if you have an infection. You need meds to fight it.
2007-10-16 06:32:27 · answer #7 · answered by krennao 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
maybe he was watching a war movie before your appointment..
2007-10-16 06:27:26 · answer #8 · answered by edward s 2 · 0⤊ 4⤋