Dosing Requirements and Side Effects
If your dental and medical professional determine antibiotic prophylaxis is a necessary preventive measure for you, your dosage will depend on your age, size, and the antibiotic you're prescribed. Typically, oral antibiotics should be taken one hour before your procedure and are best taken with a small amount of food. They can also be taken up to a few hours after the procedure if you forgot to take them before your treatment, but it's best to follow your surgeon's instructions and arrive at your dental appointment fully prepared. Because different antibiotics have different side effects, talk with your dental professional about what you can expect and let them know if you have any questions or concerns.
Very few patients need to take antibiotics before seeing a dentist, so it's unlikely you will have to build taking a pill into your routine on appointment days. If you've recently undergone joint or heart surgery, talk to your dental professional about the need for antibiotic prophylaxis for dental or dental hygiene treatment. They know the specifics of your condition and will best be able to offer advice tailored to your individual needs. At least now, you can have an informed conversation with them without saying, “it's all Greek to me!“ And you can be confident you're getting treatment that will make you smile.