In some cases, you may be prescribed antibiotics before dental work. This practice is not as common as it once was, but it is still an important treatment factor for many patients. Antibiotics treat bacterial infections, and bacterial infections in the mouth can cause several issues for patients as the infection can travel. Infections in the mouth can also make dental work more painful.
Heart Conditions
It used to be recommended that anyone with a heart condition take antibiotics before dental treatment. However, this practice has seen a decline as it has been found that antibiotics before dental work does not significantly limit risk of infection traveling to the heart. Some people with certain heart conditions, such as valve replacements, may still need antibiotics before dental treatment.
Lowered Immune System
People who have a lowered immune system are often prescribed antibiotics before dental treatment. If your immune system is weakened, infection can travel more easily from the mouth to other areas of the body, particularly when that bacteria is released by dental work. People with compromised immune systems include people with diabetes, cancer patients, and those who take steroids.
Reduced Effectiveness of Local Anesthesia
Your dentist will likely use local anesthesia to numb the area that they are working on. Serious bacterial infections in the mouth can prevent these injections from taking appropriate effect. You could have quite a lot of dental pain if your mouth is full of infection when the dentist begins their work. For this reason, some dentists will prescribe antibiotics before major procedures like a root canal.
If you are needing dental treatment, contact our offices today. We are experienced in the bacterial infections that tooth decay can cause, and we will be able to tell you if antibiotics are needed before your treatment.
