Antibiotics and MVP

Hello Dr.(s).

Thank you for a very informative forum! I have borderline mvp with a trace regurgitation. I do take antibiotics b/4 dental procedures. Could you please tell me the following: Does taking antibiotics nearly eliminate the risk of endocarditis? They recently changed the protocol of taking the antibiotics from 3 1 hr b/4 and 1 6hrs later to 4 1 hr b/4. Old habits die hard and I followed the old way on my last visit, is this a problem? The medication is Clindamyacin. My cardiologist says I really don't need the antibiotics because it is a trace but to take it anyway and I do. I get very stressed after any dental work and this visit went from one to cementing a crown to also including a root canal on a different tooth a few days ago. I don't handle dental work well after. The stress catches up to me and I worry about endocarditis. I always seem to have the chills on and off after any dental work I assume from stress since earlier this year after another root canal I experienced this and blood cultures were done as a precaution and it was negative. I feel fine just worry, worry worry! Thank you for any insight and Happy New Year!

[CCF-M.D.-CRC]

Dear dande,

It is actually unknown if taking antibiotics prior to dental procedures eleminates the risk of endocarditis.  It is assumed that is decreases the risk but endocarditis is such a rare event that it would be nearly impossible to prove one way or another.  The trend with prophylaxis today is that less is better.

[Victoryia]

I have Mild MVP and take premeds for any non sterile dental work or surgery and/or procedures.

The cardio said I did not need to take it, but my dentist refused to treat me without it.

[mudo1960]

I would like to have some information on these 3 medications? Coumadin, Warfarin, and Sodium Product's.