At St James Clinic, your safety is always our top priority. For some patients with specific heart conditions, taking an antibiotic one hour before a dental appointment may be required to reduce the risk of infective endocarditis, a rare but serious infection that can affect the heart.
Healthcare guidelines advise that the following cardiac conditions may put patients at increased risk:
- Acquired valvular heart disease with stenosis or regurgitation
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Previous infective endocarditis
- Structural congenital heart disease, including surgically corrected or palliated conditions
(This does not include isolated atrial septal defects, fully repaired VSDs or PDAs, or closure devices that are fully endothelialised.) - Heart valve replacements
If any of the above applies to you, it’s important to check whether you require antibiotic cover before treatment. This includes routine Hygienist appointments as well as general dental procedures.
What to Do Next:
- Please speak with your GP, Consultant, or your Dentist to confirm whether antibiotic cover is needed in your case.
- You may be asked to obtain a letter from your GP stating whether antibiotic cover is recommended.
- If required, the prescribed antibiotic should be taken 1 hour before your appointment.
If you’re unsure or have questions, our team is always here to help. Simply give us a call and we’ll guide you through the next steps to ensure your visit is safe and comfortable.