Dental antibiotic prophylaxis
Dental Antibiotic Prophylaxis
Dental antibiotic prophylaxis (pronunciation: den-tuhl an-tee-bi-ot-ik pro-fuh-lak-sis) is a preventive measure that involves the administration of antibiotics to patients before undergoing dental procedures. The purpose of this practice is to prevent bacterial endocarditis, a potentially life-threatening infection of the heart's inner lining or valves.
Etymology
The term "dental antibiotic prophylaxis" is derived from three words. "Dental" is derived from the Latin word "dens", which means tooth. "Antibiotic" is derived from the Greek words "anti" (against) and "bios" (life), referring to substances that are against harmful life forms like bacteria. "Prophylaxis" is derived from the Greek word "prophylaktikos", which means preventive or protective.
Procedure
Dental antibiotic prophylaxis involves the administration of antibiotics before dental procedures that could cause bleeding. This includes procedures like tooth extractions, root canal treatments, and periodontal surgeries. The antibiotics are usually administered orally, about an hour before the procedure.
Indications
Dental antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended for patients with certain heart conditions, including those with artificial heart valves, a history of infective endocarditis, certain congenital heart defects, and heart transplant recipients who develop heart valve problems. It is also recommended for patients with a compromised immune system.
Related Terms
- Bacterial Endocarditis: An infection of the heart's inner lining or valves, usually as a result of bacteria entering the bloodstream.
- Antibiotics: Medications used to treat infections caused by bacteria.
- Prophylaxis: Measures taken to prevent diseases.
- Periodontal Surgery: Surgery performed to treat periodontal diseases.
- Root Canal Treatment: A dental procedure to treat infection at the centre of a tooth.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Dental antibiotic prophylaxis
- Wikipedia's article - Dental antibiotic prophylaxis
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