If you require dental work, like root canal therapy, you might be surprised if your dentist has recommended a round of antibiotics before your procedure. No one wants to overuse antibiotics, but they were recommended for patients with certain health issues.
Antibiotics Before Root Canal Therapy
If you have an infection deep within your tooth, the only way to treat it is with root canal therapy. The endodontic procedure involves removing decay and extracting the tooth pulp, the innermost layer. It’s an effective and safe solution to rehabilitate a tooth to save it from an extraction.
Up until 2007, patients with some types of congenital heart disease needed a dose of antibiotics, known as antibiotic prophylaxis. This was necessary to prevent infective endocarditis, which is a bacterial infection that can lead to heart failure and kidney damage for patients with congenital heart disease.
However, the American Heart Association released new guidelines in 2007, which narrowed the pool of patients requiring antibiotics before certain dental treatments. Although infective endocarditis can occur, the risk of antibiotic resistance is greater. New research has also found that poor oral hygiene can be the cause of the infection, instead of dental work.
Do I Need Antibiotics?
Dentists are prescribing fewer antibiotics, but there are patients with certain situations, like:
- Prosthetic cardiac valves or valves containing prosthetic materials.
- History of infective endocarditis.
- Cyanotic congenital heart disease or repaired defect with residual shunts or valvular regurgitation.
- Heart transplant with valve regurgitation.
Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics for other reasons as well, like if you have any signs of an acute or chronic oral infection. You may also experience fever, swelling, or other symptoms of an infection.
If bacteria cover a tooth root that results in pain, pus buildup, or dead tissue, antibiotics can be beneficial. Patients with advanced gum disease may also need antibiotics. They are often prescribed after wisdom tooth extractions, dental implants, or other oral surgeries. Patients with compromised immune systems from diabetes, cancer, chemotherapy, or other conditions will need antibiotics along with dental work.
With widespread antimicrobial resistance, your dentist will only recommend treatment when the benefits outweigh the risks. Don’t hesitate to discuss any questions or concerns with your dentist. They’ll help you make the best decision for your situation.
About Dr. Natalya Ramsay
Dr. Ramsay earned her dental degree at the Oregon Health and Science University School of Dentistry. She continues her education regularly to provide the most up-to-date services. She has completed training in many advanced procedures, including root canal therapy. Request an appointment through her website or call her office at (503) 714-9118.