Dr. Benoit Soucy speaks about the CDA Position Statements on the use of antibiotics

Dr. Benoit Soucy, Director of Clinical and Scientific Affairs at the Canadian Dental Association, with Chiraz Guessaier, CDA Oasis Project Manager about two CDA Position Statements that deal with the use of antibiotics.

CDA Position Statement on Dental Patients with Total Joint Replacement

CDA Position Statement on the Prevention of Infective Endocarditis

Highlights

• The Canadian Dental Association supports the American Heart Association’s (AHA) 2007 guidelines for antibiotic prophylaxis prior to dental procedures to prevent infective endocarditis. The guidelines are based on a growing body of scientific evidence that shows the risks of taking preventive antibiotics outweigh the benefits for most patients.
• Based on the current best available evidence, CDA guidance concerning the management of dental patients with orthopedic implants is:
  • Patients should not be exposed to the adverse effects of antibiotics when there is no evidence that such prophylaxis is of any benefit.
  • Routine antibiotic prophylaxis is not indicated for dental patients with total joint replacements, nor for patients with orthopedic pins, plates and screws.
  • Patients should be in optimal oral health prior to having total joint replacement and should maintain good oral hygiene and oral health following surgery. Orofacial infections in all patients, including those with total joint prostheses, should be treated to eliminate the source of infection and prevent its spread.

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