Considerations for Prophylactic Antibiotics
In April 2007, the American Dental Association (ADA) released guidelines
regarding the use of prophylactic antibiotics and dental treatment.
The ADA guidelines are based, in part, on the recent recommendation of the American Heart Association (AHA) that patients with certain heart conditions no longer require short-term antibiotics prior to dental treatment as a measure of preventing infective endocarditis.
The College of Dental Surgeons encourages dentists to reference current guidelines published by other organizations concerning this subject and to rely on their professional judgement to determine the most appropriate course of action for individual patients.
It may also be appropriate for the dentist to consult with the patient's cardiologist or other treating physician before initiating treatment.
Click on the links below for information sources about this topic.
Note: The College does not officially endorse these sources.
Canadian Dental Association. "Update on CDA position statement on Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Dental Patients at Risk." (July 3, 2007).
Journal of the American Dental Association. "Prevention of infective endocarditis: Guidelines from the American Heart Association." (June 2007).