Why Premedication Matters

During most dental treatment — even a routine cleaning — small amounts of bleeding from the gums are normal. Bacteria that live in the mouth can briefly enter the bloodstream through those bleeding points. In healthy patients, the immune system clears them without incident.

In patients with certain cardiac abnormalities or artificial implants, however, those bacteria can attach to a heart valve, an artificial joint, or another implanted device — causing bacterial endocarditis or a device infection. Both can be life-threatening. Taking a single dose of an antibiotic before your appointment dramatically lowers this risk.

Tell Your Dentist — Do Any of These Apply to You?

Please tell us before any procedure if you have:

• Had heart surgery within the past six months
• A pacemaker
• Had vascular surgery within the past six months
• An artificial heart valve
• A history of rheumatic fever
• A history of a heart murmur (mitral valve prolapse)
• Had bacterial endocarditis in the past
• A systemic pulmonary shunt
• A congenital heart defect
• Acquired valvular dysfunction
• A knee, hip, shoulder, or other joint replacement
• A breast or other surgical implant
• Recent or ongoing chemotherapy for cancer
• A compromised immune system for any reason
• Started a new medication since your last visit
• Developed any new drug allergies since your last visit

Guidelines change regularly. Please tell us about any change in your health — not just the ones above.

What Actually Happens

If premedication is right for you, the process is straightforward.

Which Dental Procedures Require Premedication?

For patients whose conditions require it, any procedure that causes bleeding of the gums or oral tissues generally requires premedication. That can include:

• Professional teeth cleaning (yes — even a routine cleaning can cause bleeding)
• Extractions
• Root planing and periodontal treatment
• Incision and drainage of infected oral tissue
• Placement or removal of dental implants
• Surgeries involving the maxillary sinus
• Some restorative work below the gumline

We’ll confirm with you at check-in whether the procedure you’re scheduled for requires premedication.

Keep Your Medical History Current

The best care depends on the most current information. Please tell us:

• Any new diagnosis
• Any new medication — including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies
• Any new drug allergy
• Any recent hospitalization or surgery
• The name and contact info of your primary care physician and any specialist we may need to coordinate with

Download the Health History Update Form from our Patient Forms page and bring it in — or fill out an updated form at check-in.

Frequently Asked Questions