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Bacterial Endocarditis

During oral and maxillofacial procedures, bleeding usually occurs. As a result, bacteria from the mouth can possibly enter the bloodstream and work their way to the heart. This presents a risk for some persons with cardiac abnormalities because the bacteria may cause bacterial endocarditis, a serious inflammation of the heart valves or tissues.

Certain heart conditions are more often associated with endocarditis than others. To determine if an existing heart condition poses a risk, Dr. Gossman needs you to complete ALL health information on your medical history form. The form should also include the name and address of your family physician or cardiologist as well as the names and dosages of all medications that you take.

Do any of these apply to you?

	• Recent heart surgery within past six months
	• Pacemaker
	• Within six months of vascular surgery (replaced artery)
	• Artificial heart valve
	• History of rheumatic fever
	• History of heart murmur (mitral valve prolapse)
	• Previous bacterial endocarditis
	• Systemic pulmonary shunt
	• Congenital heart defect
	• Acquired valvular dysfunction
	• Joint replacement

If you have any of these conditions, if you were diagnosed with other heart ailments, or if your health status has changed since your last dental visit, tell Dr. Gossman.

The guidelines, which the American Dental Association helps develop, recommend the use of antibiotics prior to dental treatment, based on the patient's medical condition and on the treatment to be performed. Dr. Gossman or your physician may prescribe antibiotics for dental procedures that would result in bleeding from the gums or mucous membranes in the mouth. Such procedures could include professional teeth cleaning, incision and drainage of infected oral tissue, some types of injections, extractions and surgeries that involve the maxillary sinus.