Concepts for the prophylaxis of infective endocarditis in dentistry

Oral commensal microorganisms are commonly associated with the pathogenesis of infective endocarditis. Despite modern antimicrobial and surgical treat ment, infective endocarditis continues to cause substantial morbidity and m ortality. Although dentistry is no longer considered a major risk factor fo r infective endocarditis, it is current standard of practice that dental pr ocedures likely to produce significant bacteraemia in patients who are susc eptible to this disease be prophylactically covered with an antimicrobial a gent. The concepts of antimicrobial prophylaxis prior to invasive dental pr ocedures are outlined in this review, with particular reference to the late st recommendations of the Australian Dental Association.