Q: Do I need to take antibiotics before dental treatment?

A: The American Heart Association guidelines emphasize that maintaining excellent oral health is more important in the reduction of the rish of bacterial endocarditis than is the use of antibiotics before dental treatment. In many cases the risks of taking antibiotics outweigh the benefits, so that for many conditions such as mitral valve prolapse antibiotics are no longer recommended.

Antibiotic prophylaxis is still recommended for patients who have had a total joint replacement within the past two years and for those a greater risk as well. Please discuss your particular condition and the dental procedure to be performed with you physician and/or dentist to determine the best course of treatment for you.