Q.
Hi there, I’ve been diagnosed with gum disease today. I have been given a prescription for antibiotics but told not to start them until 3 days before my 1st appointment to have my teeth thoroughly cleaned, however the earliest appointment is on the 16th May, 3 weeks away. I forgot to mention to the dentist that I also have neutropenia. Is it ok to wait 3 weeks without taking the anitbiotics? It seems odd to be diagnosed then told to wait, admittedly the dentist wouldn’t have known that it would be a 3 week wait. Please can you advise? Many thanks!
Hi there, I’ve been diagnosed with gum disease today. I have been given a prescription for antibiotics but told not to start them until 3 days before my 1st appointment to have my teeth thoroughly cleaned, however the earliest appointment is on the 16th May, 3 weeks away. I forgot to mention to the dentist that I also have neutropenia. Is it ok to wait 3 weeks without taking the anitbiotics? It seems odd to be diagnosed then told to wait, admittedly the dentist wouldn’t have known that it would be a 3 week wait. Please can you advise? Many thanks!
A.
Hi,
Hi,
It is fine to wait and the antibiotics need to be taken as part of a targeted treatment i.e. professional cleaning and antibiotics at the same time. Personally I advise my patients to start antibiotics (if required) on the day of the treatment.
You need to feel your dentist about the neutropenia, it won’t change what they do, but they need to know. I hope this helps, thank you for your question.
Dr Ian Dunn
PurelyPerio Clinic 334, PO Box 334, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 0AG Web: www.purelyperio.co.uk Tel: 01625 419700
