When do you need antibiotic prophylaxis?  Is it needed at all before you undergo dental care?  Antibiotic prophylaxis for dental care is needed in some circumstances.

If any of the following situations apply to you, antibiotic prophylaxis for dental care is recommended:

If you have had heart surgery within the past six months.
If you have a pacemaker.
If you have had an artery replaced in the last six months.
If you have an artificial heart valve.
If you have a history of rheumatic fever.
If you have a history of mitral valve prolapse.
If you have had bacterial endocarditis.
If you have a systemic pulmonary shunt.
If you have a congenital heart defect.

Antibiotics may be prescribed for you before receiving dental treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.  The antibiotics will keep you from developing infections during dental care.  You are more likely to have problems with this after experiencing heart problems.

Another situation that may require antibiotic prophylaxis before dental care is if you have had total joint replacements within the last two years.  These recommendations are made by the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

Before you receive dental treatment your dentist may want to talk to your surgeon, physician, or cardiologist.  This will ensure that you  receive the appropriate antibiotics.

Be sure to tell your dentist if you are taking any new medications, including prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs.  This information is crucial so that you will receive the best antibiotics for your medical situation.

There may be times when receiving antibiotic prophylaxis before dental care is definitely needed.

The cost of dental care is on the rise.  It can be difficult to find affordable family dental care but it can be done.

To begin looking for affordable family dental care you need to know how to choose the best plan for you and your family.  Here are some questions to consider before choosing an affordable family dental care plan:

1.        How many dentists in your area accept dental plans?  Before you decide on a plan you will want to know that there are dentists practicing locally that will accept the dental plan you choose.

2.        Will you pay for the plan by the month or the year?  Usually the most affordable family plan is the one that is paid for on a yearly basis.  One exception to this is if you need coverage for only a few months and after that your family will be covered through a dental plan at work.

3.        Will specialists be covered?  It would be good if you can find a plan that will cover at least 20% of the work done by dental specialists.  This includes periodontists, orthodontists, and oral surgeons.  You may be able to have some work such as root canals or dentures done by your regular dentist which would save you quite a bit of money.

4.        What happens if you move to another state?  There are plans that cover you and your family if you move.  This is the best way to go unless the cost is prohibitive. 

5.        How long do you have to wait before the coverage begins?  The sooner the better!

Do some checking around and you should be able to find affordable family dental care.