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Antibiotics before dental cleanings, colonoscopies etc.

Posted , 13 users are following.

deborah26839
deborah26839

I was told at my 14 week checkup that I will need to take a single dose of a strong antibiotic 1 hour before dental cleaning for a lifetime. I know doctors differ in this, some 2 years but gave me a lifetime. What have others been told?

Thanks, Deb from US

0 likes, 22 replies

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  • gillian03883
    gillian03883 deborah26839

    Posted

    Hi I'm from Australia and was told that antibiotic's were needed only for the first 6 weeks. Have had a filling and cleaning done at 3 months and both doctor and dentist were happy  with no antibiotic's.
    • deborah26839
      deborah26839 gillian03883

      Posted

      Lucky you, both dentist and surgeon recommended, dentist said he gives 4 pills 1 hour before but doctor rules 😃 he gave me one. He said picking around guns where you bleed and bacteria can get into blood stream.
    • joy92223
      joy92223 deborah26839

      Posted

      As I suffer from inherited gum problems, and not been told anything about this problem, I'd like more information if possible, please.

      Joy.

    • deborah26839
      deborah26839 joy92223

      Posted

      Hi Joy, I would suggest you talk this over with your doctor. I have read so many different things, such as; Canada doesn't follow this, some in US don't either, some dentist won't work on you if you refuse to take them, some think you should take 4 or 5 tablets before cleaning and some just 1. Some doctors I read say it's a must because your white blood cells don't recognize bacteria on the prothesis so doesn't battle it, then some say antibiotics are over used. Studies are still being done but as usual you can't get anyone to agree. I guess whether needed or not, it makes me feel more secure that's my personal opinion.
    • diane80279
      diane80279 deborah26839

      Posted

      Some of you are saying a pill. My dr wants a whole course done. 1 week of antibiotics
    • deborah26839
      deborah26839 diane80279

      Posted

      Yes, I have read some do that, some give you 4 or 5 to take one hour before. Had my teeth cleaned yesterday my dentist said he does 3 before but he said my doctor suppled me with a very strong antibiotic and as long as it didn't bother me was fine called Lavaquin my dentist uses emoxocillan but I am allergic. I had no problems.
    • anne57454
      anne57454 deborah26839

      Posted

      Canada does follow this. I am told for the rest of my life I will need antibiotics before detal cleaning and procedures. Bacteria from the gums can affect the new hip.
  • lyn1951
    lyn1951 deborah26839

    Posted

    Last Sunday was bitten by a horse fly, and my lower left leg blew up big time, I explained to Dr is was probably a allergic reaction, as it was itching like crazy, and I had already taken a anti-histamine. He said when I told him I had double THR, probably not at risk after 6 months, but if the infection was to take off the first place it would attack would be the steel hips, but we are always inclined to err on side of caution, and prescribed antibiotics for me. I find myself agreeing with him, hate to think an infection could attack my steel hips, and have to be fighting an internal infection, and then more THR's not going there, I'll swallow antibiotics as prescribed.
  • maggie93798
    maggie93798 deborah26839

    Posted

    Latest research in the UK says it is not required. Other places vary and some dentists at least play cautious. I believe the theory is/was that if any area such as the mouth which has a high bacterial count bleeds then during the resulting temporary bacteraemia some bacteria may adhere to the prosthesis. I think the latest research indicates that the body deals with this as normal and no bacteria adhere before being destroyed by the body 
  • ScubaRob
    ScubaRob deborah26839

    Posted

    Deb

    I had this discussion with my surgeon. He is a believer of antibiotics before, for life. He said the chances are slim of infections after a while, but if it ever does get into your hip, they have to take the prosthesis out to sterilize it etc.

    I whole-heartedly agreed that taking a pill is better than having my hip pulled out any day of the week.

    • deborah26839
      deborah26839 ScubaRob

      Posted

      I hear ya ScubaRob!!!!!!! I've read, they take the implant out, put in one that has antibiotics that stays in until your blood shows no more infection, then go back in and put another prothesis in. There's two people on Bonesmart site that had to have this done. Yeah, I will gladly take a pill😧
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