Why Premedication Is Sometimes Needed Before A Dental Exam

                If you have ever had a dental exam, one of the first questions a staff member will ask is "do you require any premedication" or “Antibiotic Prophylaxis”. You might have wondered why a dental office would ask you this for a simple routine exam. Surprisingly, there are several dental concerns

that can arise from certain medical conditions, and knowing these medical reasons will better prepare you for your next dental visit.

Both harmful and helpful bacteria thrive all over our body and we are routinely exposed to bacteria throughout the day. Our mouths have many different strands of bacteria which both help us by initially breaking down our food and can harm us through cavities. During dental procedures and even through normal chewing, brushing, and flossing, bacteria can enter the bloodstream. This bacteria is normally not a problem as our immune system can counteract it. However, some medical conditions can increase your risk for infection. People who have had a heart transplant, artificial heart valve or congenital heart disease, all have an increased risk and it is recommended for them to take an antibiotic before dental procedures. As is common in the medical field, there are always exceptions to the rule. Our dentist will be able to tell you if you require any premedication, and in many cases will contact your physician to ask if premedication is needed, due to any treatments you might be on. 

Jackson Family Dentistry is committed to your health and your safety is always our top priority.    

The medical field is constantly updating and evolving and when it comes to premedication, the American Dental Association updates its guidelines on premedication every three years. This ensures all ADA dentists are conforming to the practices that meet the latest scientific research. As recent as 2012, the ADA issued a statement to dentists saying that most patients with artificial joints or have pins and screws, no longer require antibiotic prophylaxis. This is due to new research showing these particular patients were at low risk for infection. The risk was so low that it outweighed the potential side effects of using antibiotics. Of course, this is not a blanket statement for everyone and you should still let your dentist know if you have any of these.

Jackson Family dentistry conforms to all ADA guidelines and routinely has continuing education to stay current on all of their best practice guidelines. The dental field is constantly changing and having a dentist who recognizes this is very important. If you have any questions about premedication before dental exams feel free to call our office, we will be happy to discuss this with you further.