Pre-meds are medications, usually antibiotics, that are prescribed to a patient to be taken before a dental procedure is performed. Due to recent changes in guidelines by the American Heart Association and American Dental Association, antibiotics are recommended in much fewer cases than in the past. There are some cases when a pre-med might be needed, including a history of heart infection, patients with heart valve replacement, patients with certain congenital heart diseases, and transplant patients. Before prescribing a pre-med, our dentists take a close look at each patient’s medical history to ensure we can provide thorough, safe, and effective treatment in our office. We may communicate with your Primary Care Physician or other medical specialist to help determine if they feel that a “pre-med” would be of benefit.