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Antibiotics Use Before Dental Treatment
October 30 , 2004 by Agnes OblasQuestion:
My dentist says I need antibiotics before getting my teeth cleaned but my doctor says I don’t. What’s up with that?
Answer:
Up until recently, anyone who had a heart murmur was required to take antibiotics before dental procedures to help prevent bacteria from entering the blood stream and potentially infecting the mitral valve causing endocarditis (infection of the heart wall).
Now we know that murmurs alone are not enough reason to take these antibiotics. You should find out, through an echocardiogram, if the murmur is the result of a significant heart valve problem. It may not be and your doctor could write a letter to your dentist explaining why.
A. Oblas, RN, CS, MSN
Nurse Practitioner
602.405.6320
Medical @ EVLiving.com
