Hydrocephalus - VP shunt and dentistry

Hi - I am 45 and have had a VP shunt for hydrocephalus for 11 years. I was told by my neurosurgeon that I would always need to take prophylactic antibiotics before any dental work was done. I have recently gone to a new dentist who thinks this is not necessary.  I have been surfing the web and it seems that some say it is not necessary whilst others recommend antibiotics before any dental work is done. Does anyone else have current information on this as I need to have root canal treatment and want to know how to proceed?

Tracey

[ozwinkie]

My son, age 32, has hydrocephalus and has two shunts.  His doctor ALWAYS has his take prophylactic antibiotics before every dental appt.  

Deb

[NancyDrew50]

Hi,

That's interesting.  I'd do what the neurosurgeon says, and change dentist if he is unhappy going along.  You're not supposed to take antibiotics friviously these days, but in this case, an ounce of prevention ...

Hydro Mom

PS:  I never heard about it from my daughter's neurosurgeon and she's had Hydrocephalus since childhood (20 years) and her surgeons are from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, a pretty good place.  In the interim, I'd take the antibiotics and research it further.  Maybe ask your neurosurgeon what he is basing this on...Perhaps new research out!

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

How are you?
The general instructions for patients with VP shunt state that whenever they undergo a procedure which requires opening of skin including dental work, a prophylactic course of antibiotics is mandatory to prevent shunt infections.
The latest literature seems to suggest that patients with VP shunts do not carry a greater risk of infection after a dental procedure than before. However antibiotics are a must in patients with VA shunts.
Please discuss this issue with your neurosurgeon as well.