Question

A 45-year-old man with a prosthetic aortic valve and a history of previous infective endocarditis attends his dentist for a planned dental extraction. He asks whether he needs antibiotics before the procedure to prevent another episode of endocarditis. He has no active infection. What is the most appropriate advice?

Accepted Answer

Antibiotic prophylaxis is not routinely recommended; maintain good oral hygiene and treat any infections promptly

Answer

Give a single dose of Amoxicillin 3 g orally 1 hour before the procedure

Answer

Give a single dose of Clindamycin 600 mg orally 1 hour before the procedure

Answer

Use Chlorhexidine mouthwash twice daily for a week before the procedure instead of antibiotics

Answer

Give prophylactic Vancomycin intravenously immediately before the procedure

Practice question