Periodontal disease is the number one reason for tooth loss and research suggests there may be a link between periodontal disease and other medical diseases. Before starting treatment, it is our goal to address all questions and concerns about treatment, prognosis, cost and even insurance reimbursement. Prophylaxis is basically a dental term for a regular teeth cleaning. Regular prophylaxis appointments are recognized by the American Dental Association and dental insurance companies as a necessary preventive measure once every six months.
A prophylaxis appointment means that you will receive a thorough teeth cleaning by a dental hygienist and a complete examination by a dentist. At interval prophylaxis appointments, you may have x-rays and photos taken. The dentist will use these images to assist in a thorough examination of your mouth to determine if there is need for any treatment.
Benefits of a regular teeth cleaning include the removal of tarter and plaque build-up, fresher breath and healthy appearance. Tarter and plaque buildup naturally occur. But if left unremoved, they can lead to serious dental problems and even become the source of serious medical concerns.
Regular prophylaxis appointments will help keep your teeth, tissue and mouth in good health. It can also prevent or halt the progression of gum disease. The term "prophylactic antibiotics" refers to antibiotics that are given to prevent infection rather than treat it. Prophylactic antibiotics are avoided whenever possible in health care. The overuse of antibiotics has led to antibiotic resistance and provides no benefit to the patient.
Your physician may choose to prescribe prophylactic antibiotics because the potential benefit outweighs the risk of harm. In some cases, preventive antibiotics can reduce the risk of infection for patients at high risk. Some surgeries are at higher risk for bacterial infections, so you may be prescribed a preventive antibiotic. These surgeries include:.
Before surgery, patients may receive prophylactic antibiotics within 30 minutes of the skin incision. They may receive it again every four hours or if there is a large amount of blood loss. People with serious heart problems are given prophylactic antibiotics in dental procedures.
That's because dental procedures carry a specific risk of spreading an infection to the heart. High-risk individuals include those with:. People with joint replacements are no longer recommended to receive antibiotic prophylaxis prior to dental procedures. Your surgeon will let you know if you should have prophylactic antibiotics before your procedure. They will usually ask questions about your health history to help determine if you are at high risk for infection.
Your doctor or surgeon will talk to you about whether you should have prophylactic antibiotics before a procedure. These antibiotics are only given when there's a high risk of infection.
Prophylactic health care helps prevent or reduce the risk of health problems. This preventive care includes dental cleanings, birth control, and vaccinations, but it can also mean stopping treatment to prevent harm. Prophylactic antibiotics may be given to patients at high risk for infection when undergoing surgery or dental procedures.
Prophylactic, or preventive, health care has an important role in helping you stay healthy. Be sure to schedule regular check-ups with your doctor and dentist.
They can both work with you to decide what types of prophylactic care are necessary at each stage in life. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life.
Popul Health Manag. Regular Check-Ups are Important. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. August When your cancer treatment stops working. US National Library of Medicine. July Am Fam Physician. Antibiotic Prophylaxis Prior to Dental Procedures. American Dental Association. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page.
These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. I Accept Show Purposes. Recap Prophylactic health care includes treatment and procedures that help you prevent illness or other conditions. Recap Prophylaxis can mean preventing an illness, keeping it from getting worse, or stopping excessive treatment. Recap Your doctor or surgeon will talk to you about whether you should have prophylactic antibiotics before a procedure.
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