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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

Adult Regimen

Child Regimen

  • Standard prophylaxis

  • Amoxicillin 500mg

  • Disp: 4 tablets.

  • Sig: Take all 4 tabs (2000mg) one hour before procedure.

  • Amoxicillin

  • 50 milligrams per kilogram.

  • Allergic to penicillin

  • Clindamycin 300mg

  • Disp: 2 tablets.

  • Sig: Take 2 tabs (600mg) one hour before appt.

  • Clindamycin

  • 20 milligrams per kilogram.

 

Which Dental Procedures Require Premedication?

We will let you know when to take and when not 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