Patients with mitral valve prolapse or certain types of heart murmurs have an elevated risk of developing a serious heart condition called bacterial endocarditis.  If you have one of these conditions, the American Heart Association recommends that you take antibiotics prior to dental procedures.  Please inform us if you have mitral valve prolapse or a heart murmur so that we can prescribe an appropriate antibiotic for you to take before coming to your appointment.  If you are unsure whether your heart murmur requires an antibiotic, please check with your physician.  They may recommend an echocardiogram to determine whether your heart murmur requires antibiotic prophylaxis.  As a precaution, unless you have clearance from your physician stating otherwise, we will want to prescribe an antibiotic for you to take prior to your dental appointments.

More information on bacterial endocarditis is available on the American Heart Association website.  Please click here to see their information on bacterial endocarditis.  You may also visit their main page at Americanheart.org for great information on heart health.

 


Copyright © 2004, Scott C. Hicken, D.D.S.
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