Do I need antibiotics before a tooth extraction?
Preventive antibiotics are not needed for every extraction. They may be recommended for selected patients at highest risk from infective endocarditis, depending on their condition and procedure.
Details
Who needs special assessment?
Examples include some patients with prosthetic heart valves, previous infective endocarditis or certain congenital heart conditions. This is not a complete self-screening checklist. A joint replacement alone does not mean routine antibiotics are required for everyone.
What should I tell the dentist?
Bring cardiac information, a medicine and allergy list, and details of any joint-replacement complications. Do not take leftover antibiotics or choose a dose yourself. Treating an existing infection and preventing infection before a procedure are separate decisions.
Related question: When should I see a dentist?.