Premedication

Dentist Towson, MD

Here at Ousborne and Keller, we pride ourselves on caring for the overall heath and well being of each patient. As part of our thorough medical history assessment, we will ask you if you have ever been told by a medical doctor to pre-medicate prior to dental treatment. Pre-medication simply means that you are required to take a prescribed antibiotic, generally one hour prior to each dental appointment.

There are two conditions for which medical doctors may recommend pre-medication prior to receiving dental treatment. These include specific heart conditions and/or artificial joint replacements.

Patients having certain heart conditions including artificial heart valves, a history of infective endocarditis and some congenital heart defects should consult with a cardiologist to decide if premedication is recommended. Effective since 2008, patients with mitral valve prolapsed or a history of rheumatic heart disease are no longer required to pre-medicate.

Patients with artificial joint replacements are also required to pre-medicate prior to any dental procedure to prevent possible infection in the joint. The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons are currently developing evidence based guidelines for antibiotic prophylaxis. Until the new guidelines are implemented, Drs. Ousborne and Keller will continue to depend on a patient’s orthopedic surgeon to make the decision if a patient should pre-medicate prior to dental treatment. Often the surgeon will recommend discontinuing premedication two years after the joint replacement; others will choose to pre-medicate their joint replacement patients indefinitely.

A new regulation that will go into effect July 2013 will prohibit Ousborne and Keller from dispensing premedication (antibiotics) to our patients in office, should they forget to take the medication before arriving for their appointment. This means that we will no longer be able to provide in office premedication to any patient. We will be happy to call or fax a prescription to your pharmacy so that you may fill it prior to your appointment; otherwise it may be necessary to reschedule your appointment. As a convenience, Ousborne and Keller does have a valued relationship with Health Mart Pharmacy, located at 32 West Road, Suite 100, Towson, MD 21204. They are located across the street from our office and will be happy to deliver your prescription if necessary (410) 823-1818.