Infective endocarditis is a relatively rare infection of potentially life-threatening heart valves. When bacteria or other microorganisms enter the human body and reach the heart, infection can occur. A very common way of bacterial entrance is through the mouth. In order to prevent infective endocarditis in patients with debilitating heart disease, antibiotics should be taken before certain dental treatments are performed.
The American Heart Association recommends taking antibiotics before dental treatment:
Previous history of infective endocarditis.
Prosthetic (artificial) heart valves.
Heart transplant recipients with valvular heart disease.
Some congenital heart defects.
The American Heart Association also recommends taking antibiotics before the following dental treatments:
Tooth extraction.
Pulp surgery (root canal).
Place the implant.
If bleeding is expected, clean teeth or implants.
Ligament local anesthetic injection.
After the tooth avulsed, the natural tooth was re-implanted (the tooth was completely removed after the accident).
Periodontal procedures (gingival examination, cleaning and surgery).
Place the orthodontic band but do not place the stand.
Place antibiotic fibers or strips under the gum line.
