Amoxicillin before a dental cleaning: tooth or consequences...

[dwhist]

I have been doing the Amoxicillin for dentist since new valve in 2011. Since then I have had a knee and shoulder replacement. For both of the joint replacements, I was told I needed to premedicate for dental work, which I was already doing. My dentist office told me if I ever showed up and forgot to take it, they kept some on hand.

 

[Amy]

It is fine to take at the dentist office

If you wait to take it at the dentist, you need to be sure to wait the FULL hour , and not be intimidated by them rushing you to begin the dental work, which of course they will do.

 

[erricojj]

It's best to follow protocol on this, Johnpb. The risk is real. A member of my extended family went for a cleaning without taking his premed and it cost him a week in the hospital, and almost his life, due to endocarditis.

For added protection, I use a water-pic every day. This will keep your gums cleaner and reduces risk.

I premed before every dental appointment, regardless of type of visit. Even a "non-invasive" procedure can involve probing around gum lines where bacteria hang out.

One of my dentists includes a premed reminder in his text message appointment reminders.

Obviously, there's no quarantees that we will avoid endocarditis by these practices, but the odds are with us.