Antibiotic Before The Dentist

[jeeptrk03 0]

Just curious..... I know I am suppose to take an antibiotic before going to the dentist, but I forgot to take it this morning, and I have an appointment this afternoon. Has anyone ever not taken it before the dentist? If so, did everything go ok. Open to any advice

thank you,

[mandagay 93]

Why do u have to take an antibiotic before going to the dentist? I'm a little lost

[NurseDana 32]

Usually only people with heart problems have to take an antibiotic before the dentist to keep any infection that may be in their mouth from getting into their blood stream and traveling to their heart. If this is the reason you're supposed to take it, I would go home and get it

[honk 780]

My doctor never said I had to take an antibiotic before dental work. My mother does that but she had two hip replacements.

[B-52 7,113]

I go to the dentists every 3 months, I have a cardiac condition and under a cardiologist care, and I have never heard about having to take a anti-biotic before my dental visits.

I must be missing something.

But then, you should listen to your Dr.

[jeeptrk03 0]

Thank you all for your input

I was told we should take an antibiotic before have dental work done, because we now have a foreign object in our bodies (the lap band), and if any infection were to come into the blood stream, the foreign object is the first place it would go.

[B-52 7,113]

Thank you all for your input

I was told we should take an antibiotic before have dental work done, because we now have a foreign object in our bodies (the lap band), and if any infection were to come into the blood stream, the foreign object is the first place it would go.

Interesting...who told you that? I need to check into it.

[smmrsue 56]

Ummmm. Never heard of that before.

However it is true that an infection in your mouth can easily go to your heart, but I'm not sure it has anything to do with an undetlying heart condition.

[mandagay 93]

I do know one thing, if people over use antibiotics they will not be effective when we use them. U should get a script when ur doc feels u need them. A lot of ppl have them kicking around the house (leftover from a cycle they didn't finish etc). It's not a good idea. First u should always finish ur cycle plus different antibiotics are needed for different things. I would ask my doc and not just assume u should take them

[armymom2012 51]

I have to take an antibiotic before I go as well, because I have had a heart murmor that was diagosed as a kid and has been detected a few times since. Although I usually take them prior to my visit, I have forgotten a couple times without a problem. I guess it all depends on how serious your condition is as well and if it is an actually medical procedure like a root canal or extraction, then I would definately go get them and take it before you go.

[Holly Dolly 575]

Even most people with heart problems no longer need to be premedicated. I work in a dental office and rarely are people premedicated anymore. I think if one has a metal hip replacement , then you have to take it.

[Sojourner 2,446]

I asked my son, who is a dentist about this topic. He said that a normally healthy individual would not need to take an antibiotic prior to a dental appointment. Only exception might be if there was an oral infection present.

I had a dentist appointment a month after getting banded, and had no negative events occur.

Still, I would seek a clarification from your doctor so that you know for the future.

[RachieC73 3]

I have always had to take an antibiotic before the dentist and still have to do so because of a Congenital Heart Defect. I did not however, know about having to take one now that I have the lap band, Guess I am covered either way though