What is Premedication?
Premedication is a prescribed dose of antibiotics taken before certain dental appointments. People with certain conditions will need to take premedication in order to prevent infective endocarditis.
Who Needs Premedication?
Based on your medical history, we will be able to determine whether or not you need premedication.
2007 Newest Guidelines
In April 2007, the guidelines changed. Now fewer people require premedication.
What is the Dose / Regimen?
If you need premedication, you should have a prescription for antibiotics with the directions on the label. Always follow the directions on the label and the directions given to you by the pharmacist or dentist.

For reference, the standard regimen is as follows:

Antibiotic Prophylactic Regimens

Condition
Child Regimen
Adult Regimen
Standard prophylaxis
  • Amoxicillin
  • 50 milligrams per kilogram.
  • Amoxicillin 500mg
  • Disp: 4 tablets.
  • Sig: Take all 4 tabs (2000mg) one hour before procedure.
Allergic to penicillin
  • Clindamycin
  • 20 milligrams per kilogram.
  • Clindamycin 300mg
  • Disp: 2 tablets.
  • Sig: Take 2 tabs (600mg) one hour before appt.
Which Dental Procedures Require Premedication?
We will let you know when you need to take your premedication based on your next appointment.

These are the general guidelines for your reference:

Dental Procedure Premedication

Needed
Not Needed
  • Periodontics
    • Regular cleanings (Prophy)
    • Deep cleanings (gum treatment, perio)
    • Pocket measurements (probing)
  • Extractions
  • Root canals
  • PDL injections
  • Implants
  • Orthodontic Bands
  • Crowns
  • Fillings
  • Impressions
  • X-rays
  • Suture removal
  • Local anesthesia
    • Except PDL