Bring a complete medication list
Include prescribed medicines, aspirin, nonprescription products, and supplements, with doses and the clinician who manages them. Report recent cardiac events or procedures and any change in your health since your last visit. If you take an anticoagulant or antiplatelet medicine, do not skip or stop it for dental treatment unless the prescribing clinician and dental team specifically direct that change.
Separate two different questions
Bleeding precautions and preventive antibiotics address different concerns. Many dental procedures can be managed without altering blood-thinning medicine, using local measures when appropriate. Antibiotic prophylaxis is reserved for certain patients with specific cardiac conditions and relevant procedures; heart disease alone does not mean it is needed. Let the clinicians confirm whether your diagnosis qualifies rather than relying on an old prescription or advice given to someone else.
Make the plan clear
Ask whether the dental team needs records or direct communication with your physician before treatment. Bring the names of any implanted heart devices or replaced valves if you know them. Before leaving, clarify how to manage expected bleeding, whom to contact if it persists, and what to do if your medical condition changes. An elective dental appointment should be reconsidered with the team if you develop new medical symptoms.
GOOD QUESTIONS
A little more clarity.
Should I take leftover antibiotics before my visit?
No. Contact the dental team so they can verify whether preventive antibiotics are indicated and obtain current instructions. Using an old supply may be unnecessary or inappropriate for your situation.