Pre-Medication Guidelines

ADA Guidelines

The American Heart Association and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, with help from the American Dental Association, have created guidelines for patients with certain health conditions that may require taking an antibiotic before dental treatment to reduce the amount of bacteria traveling to the heart. Some of these conditions include heart surgeries or other heart issues, and joint replacements (such as a new shoulder, hip, or knee). Other conditions may require an antibiotic. Your doctor or surgeon should discuss with you the need for this.