title: Endodontics and infective endocarditis--is antimicrobial chemoprophylaxis required?
abstract: The purpose of this review is to evaluate the evidence implicating nonsurgical endodontic procedures in inducing infective endocarditis (IE). The literature is reviewed and findings about dental procedures that elicit bacteraemia [in particular root canal treatment (RCT)], sequelae of bacteraemia, relationship between IE and RCT and variation between antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) guidelines are highlighted. At present, there is still significant debate as to which dental procedures require chemoprophylaxis and what antibiotic regimen should be prescribed. Currently, there are insufficient primary data to know whether AP is effective or ineffective against IE. Practitioners are bound by current guidelines and medico-legal considerations. Thus, the profession requires clear, uniform guidelines that are evidence-based.
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontology, Glasgow Dental Hospital and School, Glasgow, UK. mariabrincat@btinternet.com
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Brincat
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Savarrio
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Saunders
mesh_terms: D000658:Amoxicillin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016470:Bacteremia / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002511:Cephalosporins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004697:Endocarditis, Bacterial / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011672:Pulpotomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D012307:Risk Factors; D012390:Root Canal Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D002511:Cephalosporins; D000658:Amoxicillin