I was surfing the web trying to find info how therapy benefits post op fusion patients for my ins. appeal. Did not find anything exciting. I did come across something that said if you have instrumentation with your spinal fusion that you should check about taking antibiotics before dental work. No one ever mentioned that before. I already taking them before dental work due to two minor heart problems. I take 600mg of Clindamycin an hour before. It usually kills my stomach but have to do it. It is solely to prevent bacteria from attacking your heart. The gums are related to the heart believe it or not. Not sure why you would need with fusion instrumentaion. Very strange.

My daaughter's daughter premedicated her for dental appointments for one year after her fusion surgery. For her he said that it was not needed after that. Check with your dr. Her dr had very strong feelings about this because the dentist office wanted him to write a letter stating she no longer needed premedication. He fussed about it, but gave it to us. He truly believes it's only needed for one year. So go with what ever your dr says. They may all have differing opinions on this too.
cas

This was raised 5 or 6 months ago, so I asked my doctor about it. He had never heard of taking antibiotics for dental work because of instrumentation. I premedicate already for a little heart thing, but I wanted to be aware of everything possible with all this spinal bling in me!

Emily :wave:

Hi Hessie, I asked my neuro this question a little while ago. He said people who have had fusion closer to the neck where the one's who need antibiotics before having dental work. Since I had lumbar fusion I did not need to worry about taking a round of antibiotics before visiting the dentist. Hope this helps. Take care :wave: .

Rose

Very interesting. Thank you for sharing this information Hessie and Rose.