Should I have premedicated?

[jul04]

Hi,

I went for a dental cleaning yesterday and this is the first time that I have had a cleaning where I didn't have to premedicate beforehand.  I have a mitral valve prolapse (with some reguritation (sp?)) and ever since I was young I had to premedicate.  My cardiologist and primary dr have both told me that I don't have to premedicate any longer but the hygienist said that he wasn't sure about that.  

Should I be concerned about infective endocarditis?  

Thank you for reading this.

[jul04]

Thank you so much for your response.  I really appreciate it and you helped put my mind at ease.

[Gellia]

Hi,
Newer AMA protocols don't call for medication for dental work now.  Only if the valves have been replaced.

I have a pacemaker with mitral valve prolapse and aortic regurgitation and go for cleanings every three months.  I haven't had to take meds in the last four years.  I even had four dental implants placed and had no meds rx'd for that either.

Please don't worry about it.  They are finding that the overuse of antibiotics has created more problems than the risk of infections.  You don't want to create "superbugs" which is what happens when antibiotics are used and no infection is present.

Hope this helps.  Again, no worries here.
Best to you,
Gellia