Selection of dental procedures for antibiotic prophylaxis against infective endocarditis

Practice parameters in dentistry: where do we stand?

Practice parameters or guidelines have been touted as a means of enhancing clinical decision making. The authors surveyed dental organizations and reviewed the literature to determine the availability of parameters for dental conditions. An Institute of Medicine report has suggested that for parameters to provide the desired benefits, they must meet certain criteria and possess certain characteristics. Using these criteria, the authors assess available parameters in dentistry.

Infective endocarditis and the dental practitioner

This article reviews the relationship of dental treatment to infective endocarditis (IE). The current guidelines on the use of antibiotics in prophylaxis are also examined.