Do antibiotics cause more harm than good?

The American Dental Association suggests against taking antibiotics prior to dental procedures if you have the sole intention of eliminating the chance of getting infections in artificial joints or surrounding tissue.

It has been noted that the reactions to the antibiotics may outweigh the benefits. Some patients with hip prostheses or artificial joints believe that bacteria or bacteremia can cause an infection which in turn can connect or attach to the joint or tissue. They believe that teeth cleaning, scaling or other dental procedures may release the bacteremia into their bloodstream.

Unfortunately, these patients may have misunderstood or heard incorrect information. Exceptions to the recommendation regarding antibiotics would be those patients who are extremely susceptible to infection or those that are having a procedure that increases the risk of the bacteremia. Pre-treatment antibiotics may still be prescribed for immune-compromised patients and those with inflammatory arthritis, type 1diabetes or hemophilia.

Whenever you have a question regarding prescription drugs you should always speak to a medical professional or your dentist. Here at Aqua Dental Center, we won't be satisfied until all of your questions are answered. We live in Randolph too and our patients just happen to be our friends and neighbors.

We want you to be highly informed on everything that is going on in the dental world today. From the newest technology to the ultimate in procedures, we share what we learn with you.

Feel free to tell your friends and neighbors about us and our new office, new patients are always welcome here.