For which procedures do I need endocarditis prophylaxis? | The Endocarditis Prophylaxis

For which procedures do I need endocarditis prophylaxis?

Dental and maxillofacial surgery are the most important methods of endocarditis prophylaxis. These include all procedures that damage the gums and can lead to bleeding. This includes dental implantations and removals, biopsies, tartar removal or any procedure that could potentially lead to gum damage.

Again, endocarditis prophylaxis should only be used for high-risk patients and not for all patients. Endocarditis prophylaxis for high-risk patients may also be necessary for further interventions in the mouth, nose and throat area. This is the case for interventions of the respiratory tract that involve injuries to the mucous membranes, such as tonsillectomy or biopsy. Endocarditis prophylaxis is particularly indicated for high-risk patients if they undergo invasive surgery and already suffer from an infection, for example an infection of the respiratory tract or gastrointestinal tract. Here the risk of bacteria in the bloodstream increases enormously.

Endocarditis prophylaxis during a dental cleaning?

When cleaning teeth, a distinction must be made between professional dental hygiene performed by dentists and personal dental hygiene. Professional tooth cleaning is often accompanied by the removal of tartar, small bleedings and minimal injuries to the gums. Temporary bacteria in the blood are very common, so that endocarditis prophylaxis is recommended for high-risk patients.

On the other hand, personal dental cleaning and good dental hygiene is highly recommended, especially for patients at risk. It has a significant impact and can significantly reduce the risk of temporary bacteria or other pathogens circulating in the blood. If numerous pathogens accumulate in the oral cavity, even minimal injury to the gums, for example by brushing the teeth, can pose a risk to high-risk patients. On the other hand, personal dental cleaning and good dental hygiene is highly recommended, especially for patients at risk. It has a significant impact and can significantly reduce the risk of temporary bacteria or other pathogens circulating in the blood.If numerous pathogens accumulate in the oral cavity, even minimal injury to the gums, for example by brushing the teeth, can pose a risk to high-risk patients.