2021 Update: Recommendations for Antibiotic Prophylaxis Prior to Dental Procedures: American Heart Association and American Dental Association

The AHA and ADA provided updated recommendations for antimicrobial prophylaxis prior to dental procedures in May of 2021. These recommendations highlight that there is a relatively small subset of patients that are indicated to receive antibiotic prophylaxis when compared to older versions of guidelines published by AAOS and AHA. The AHA’s 2021 scientific update reinforced that antibiotic prophylaxis is only indicated for patients at the highest risk of infective endocarditis, citing that risks of adverse effects and development of drug-resistance likely outweighs benefits of prophylaxis in many patients that were historically included in previous guidelines. Additionally, these recommendations apply only to dental procedures in which there is manipulation of the gingival tissue or the periapical region of teeth, or perforation of the oral mucosa.

Reference: https://www.contagionlive.com/view/new-recommendations-for-antibiotic-prophylaxis-prior-to-dental-procedures