Do patients undergoing dental procedures require endocarditis prophylaxis

Not necessarily: Only if they have risk factors for endocarditis. It is important to have a primary doctor check out the old ticker before significant dental procedures. Certain valve issues are the most common need for prophylaxis. In fact, some people will require antibiotics just to have their teeth cleaned.

BEC: This is something that you will need to discuss with your medical doctor. Certain medical issues warrant antibiotic coverage one hour before dental proceedures.

Some do...: Some people do. Patients with artificial heart valves, previous history of infective endocarditis, joint replacements in the last 5 years do require it (there are other conditions, these are the most common). Patients with mitral valve prolapse, heart murmurs, stents, and pacemakers do not need prophylaxis. If there is a specific condition you are asking about, let me know.

Antibiotics and dent: Yes but only those patients with a history of valve issues with the heart check with your physician to see if you should be covered.

Endocarditis: Only patients who have a history of heart murmur, rheumatic fever, recent heart surgery, prolapsed mitral valve, prosthetic heart valve or their doctor has asked them to be premeditated with antibiotics before dental procedures should receive prophylactic antibiotics. If in doubt take the antibiotics. It is a cheap prevention for serious risk on your health.

Recommendations: Guidelines have changed. For most procedures prophylaxis not necessary. For extensive surgery on patient with cardiac valve hx, or joint replacement, ck w cardiologist.