Among the more common medical conditions where antibiotic cover is essential are:

• Rheumatic fever
• Heart murmur
• Any of the different types of congenital heart defects
• Any heart surgery in the last six months

Antibiotic cover is essential for the following procedures:

• Dental extractions
• Scaling and polishing and
• Any kind of surgery

Why is antibiotic cover essential in these patients?
During these procedures bacteria may enter the blood stream.

Previously damaged heart valves can harbor these bacteria and become infected. Infected clots of blood from these valves may spread throughout the body and these may cause infections or block the blood vessels.

It is the policy of Stella Maris Dental to always: Prescribe antibiotic cover for these patients; a single dose of antibiotics is taken one hour before dental treatment, normally under supervision at Stella Maris Dental.

New guidelines are now available. Your dentist will discuss them with you and advise you at your appointment.

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