Mount Sinai Journal of Medicine - Volume 65, Number 5&6, Page 388

Volume 65 Number 5&6
October/November 1998 back to contents

Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Dentistry 388

André Montazem, D.M.D., M.D.

From the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY.

Address correspondence to André Montazem, D.M.D., M.D. Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, One East 100th Street, Box 1187, New York, NY 10029.

ABSTRACT
Antibiotic prophylaxis for the prevention of infective endocarditis related to dental therapy is a widespread therapeutic intervention. Recently, updated and revised guidelines on this treatment modality have been set forth in the form of consensus statements. It is evident that the risk of spontaneous bacteremia is much greater in a diseased oral cavity than it is in a healthy oral cavity. Perhaps most important in the prevention of infective endocarditis is early identification of at-risk patients and prompt referral to oral health specialists for comprehensive evaluation and treatment. The judicious use of antibiotic prophylaxis for prevention of infective endocarditis, in conjunction with optimal oral health care, should serve to minimize the adverse effects of antibiotic therapy and at the same time reduce the significant morbidity and mortality associated with these infections.

KEY WORDS
Antibiotic prophylaxis, infective endocarditis, prosthesis, dentistry

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Volume 65 Number 5&6 October/November 1998	back to contents

Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Dentistry	388
André Montazem, D.M.D., M.D.
From the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY. Address correspondence to André Montazem, D.M.D., M.D. Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, One East 100th Street, Box 1187, New York, NY 10029.