Systemic Antibiotics

In many cases, the doctor will prescribe systemic antibiotics (antibiotics taken orally) to be taken during Scaling and Root Planing procedures to help fight the infection caused by bacteria that live in periodontal pockets. In advanced cases of disease, he will often request that bacterial DNA samples be taken during your initial examination appointment to survey the specific types of aggressive bacteria that are currently present in your periodontal pockets. DNA analysis of these bacterial samples allows very accurate identification and quantification of dangerous types of bacteria living in your mouth, allowing accurate antibiotic regimens to be utilized during Scaling and Root Planing. The combination of root planing and scaling with this aggressive antibiotic regimen can decrease the levels of these dangerous bacteria early in the treatment process, ultimately helping our team in the successful treatment of your periodontal problem. It is important to understand that each time you take an antibiotic, you increase your chance of developing drug resistant bacteria and indiscriminate use of these drugs can decrease the effectiveness of the drug in the future. Therefore, it is very important for patients to follow our specific instructions concerning the frequency and duration of antibiotic prescriptions. It should also be kept in mind that antibiotics can alter the effectiveness of Oral Contraceptives, requiring other means of birth control during use of the antibiotics. Antibiotics can also alter the effects of some drugs used for other medical conditions and it is suggested that you review your current medications with our staff or your pharmacist to be aware of any possible drug interactions. Systemic antibiotics are different from locally delivered antimicrobials or host modulators. Both of these treatments may be used without fear of resistance.