The well-being of our patients is our primary concern. At our Livonia dentist office, our team follows strict protocols to ensure the safety of our patients, from our youngest to our oldest. This is why, for patients who may suffer from heart conditions, we recommend taking antibiotic prophylaxis, or premedication, before certain dental procedures. Your Livonia family dentist, Dr. James Stewart, explains why premedication is important for heart patients.
Why Premedication?
Some of our dental procedures can elevate the level of bacteria in the blood stream. For most patients, this is no cause for alarm. For patients with certain heart problems, bacteria traveling to the heart may cause serious complications. Always consult with your Livonia dentist and your cardiologist before undergoing dental treatment if you have a heart condition.
We may also need paperwork from your cardiologist, regarding the condition of your heart, before your visit. This may seem unnecessary for just a cleaning or root canal, but Dr. Stewart takes every precaution to safeguard our patients.
Heart Conditions Requiring Premedication
Premedication is advised for patients who have specific heart conditions, including:
- Congenital Heart Defects
- Artificial Heart Valves
- History of Infective Endocarditis (Infection of lining inside heart or heart valves)
- Cardiac Transplant that Caused Valve Problems
Changes in ADA Recommendations
In 2008, the American Dental Association, or ADA, updated their premedication recommendations. Before, premedication was prescribed for patients with risk of heart inflammation, heart murmurs, or other disorders. Resulting studies showed premedication had little effect on their heart health, and the side-effects outweighed the benefits. Patients who once took premedication before dental procedures but are no longer required to, include:
- Mitral Valve Prolapse (may have been identified as a heart murmur)
- Rheumatic Heart Disease
- Bicuspid Valve Disease
- Calcified Aortic Stenosis
Dental Procedures Requiring Premedication
Procedures that may necessitate premedication for heart patients include:
- Cleanings
- Root Canals
- Periodontal (Gum) Procedures
- Tooth Extraction
Schedule an Appointment with Your Livonia Dentist
Concerned you may require premedication before a procedure? Dr. Stewart is happy address your questions and concerns, as well as provide you with comprehensive dentistry. Contact our 48154 dentist office. Schedule an appointment today by calling (734) 425-4400. We serve patients from Livonia, Farmington, Farmington Hills, and surrounding areas.