Endocarditis

Question 1

what is infective endocarditis?

Answer 1

microbial colonisation of thrombi on endocardial surface abnormalities (infection of the endocardium)

Question 2

how does infective endocarditis occur from oral implications/

Answer 2

• bacteria enters the circulation from the mouth
• the bacteria adheres to previously damaged areas of heart tissue
• vegetation occurs

Question 3

what occurs in the heart due to surface abnormalities?

Answer 3

• haemodynamic changes
• turbulent blood flow
• platelet/fibrin deposition (thrombus)
• vegetation
• microbial attatchment & multiplication
• enlargement of vegetation

Question 4

which cardiac patients are not at risk of developing infective endocarditis?

Answer 4

• coronary artery bypass grafting
• angioplasty & stent
• implanted pacemaker
• implanted defibrillator

Question 5

which dental procedures may pose as a risk of causing a cardiac patient to develop infective endocarditis?

Answer 5

procedures involving manipulation of the dento-gingival junction and causing a bacteraemia:

• extractions
• periodontal therapy
• gingival surgery
• implants
• some restorations

Question 6

what is the most important thing a dentist can recommend to a high risk endocarditis patient?

Answer 6

maintain good oral hygiene!!

Question 7

if giving the patient antibiotic prophylaxis, what could a dentist prescribe?

Answer 7

3g of amoxicillin 1 hour before dental procedure

Question 8

what social activity may make a susceptible person more high risk to developing infective endocarditis?

Answer 8

piercings!