I have topost this after reading a post earlier about whether or not to get antibiotics for a dental proceedure. I say yes, most definately and the reason is, you have an "implant" in your belly, the port, in which I have read many posts that the ports have become infected even after being the belly for months. When you do a dental proceedure, the gums bleed and the bacteria in the mouth is great, and if the bacteria gets into the blood stream, it can go right to the "foreign" body and attack it. I have a knee replacement and each time I go to the dentist I need to start antibiotics for this very reason. Some orthopaedics feel that the antibiotic in unnecessary, however, I doubt you find too many dentists that feel that way. Because the lap-band is so new, there probably has not been much data reported regarding the infections and dental work. Ask your dentist how he feels about antibiotics, but you may even want to educate them on the band as I am sure they have no clue what is going on. So--this being said, if and when I ever have a dental proceedure I will take antibiotics as I am not interested in finding out whether my port will or will not get infected. If taking antibiotics is appropriate for knee/hip/joint replacements, because they are an "implant" then I consider my port to be an implant as well. JMO

I've had a tooth pulled and a crown done while being banded. It never even occurred to me to ask about this. I guess I will in the future. Luckily, I have not had any problems as a result.

Thanks for the info Victoria. It would have never occurred to me to go on antibiotics before a dentist appointment because of my band, but I think I will now. Better safe than sorry...

Wow, I didn't know that either. I'm on the phone with my doctors office to see if I need to get a prescription filled.

Update, the nurse called the Dr who said I needed to be on it the day before the surgery. Also, since the teeth were not rotten it doesn't pose a big threat, although, if I start to run a fever or the slightest thought I'm getting ill, to call him immediately.

I told the nurse I was getting one of those aggressive teeth cleanings starting in November and she told me they would call something in then for sure. She also stated they're adding that info to the new WLS book they're doing, which will have a section totally dedicated to the band.

Thanks again.

I have to have antibiotics at least 4 days before anyway. I had Peridcarditis back in February (fluid in sac around my heart) and so I will always have to have the pills before any dental work from now on.

And that is the reason why--our mouths harbor so much bacteria that when it is erupted, by dental work, the bacteria floats thorugh the blood stream looking for a weak spot to hit, like implants or as in your case, heart related issues. Amazing isn't it!!

I have a heart murmur and have taken antibiotics prior to dental work for several years. I have to take four capsules one hour prior to my appoinment. I'm wondering how I'm going to get these down.

I have a heart murmur and have taken antibiotics prior to dental work for several years. I have to take four capsules one hour prior to my appoinment. I'm wondering how I'm going to get these down.

You will probably have to ask for liquid antibiotics. The kids seem to like it! I think it is regular antibiotics with flavoring.

Do we need to do this for cleanings also?

That really irritates me that I wasn't told either during preband or immediately after the band. Thanks goodness for LBT.

Yes, I have to pre-medicate for cleanings.

Heart bypass patients have to be on antibiotics for any dental work at all. No big deal when you consider the consequences.