Infective endocarditis: a review and update

Infective (bacterial) endocarditis has presented a "changing face" over the previous years but remains a disease with potentially serious complications. Surveys have indicated that up to 92% of cases of infective endocarditis could be attributed to a dental origin; yet most susceptible persons do not understand their condition or the precautions necessary prior to dental treatment. Up to 80% of infective endocarditis patients received no protection prior to dental or genitourinary manipulation. Dental practitioners, therefore, play an important role in the prevention of this disease and must be familiar with recent developments on the subject. This article provides an in-depth review of the disease and outlines and stresses the dental practitioner's responsibility in its prevention.