Infective Endocarditis Following Dental Procedures: A Retrospective Literature Review of Reported Cases and Clinical Outcomes

Session

Dental Science

Description

Infective endocarditis (IE) remains a serious and potentially life-threatening complication associated with bacteremia following invasive dental procedures. Although preventive strategies exist, cases continue to be reported, particularly among individuals with known risk factors. This study aims to systematically review the reported cases and epidemiological evidence of IE following dental interventions. A retrospective literature review was conducted using studies indexed in PubMed that reported cases of IE following dental procedures. Three studies were included: two case reports detailing individual clinical outcomes, and one population-based observational study assessing post-procedural risk. Extracted data included patient demographics, type of dental procedure, time from procedure to infection onset, microbiological findings, risk factors, clinical management, and outcomes. Across all three studies, a clear correlation was observed between invasive dental procedures— particularly tooth extractions—and the onset of IE. The case reports identified patients with prosthetic heart valves and children with congenital heart disease as high-risk groups. Oral anaerobic flora, including Prevotella species, was implicated in cases involving prosthetic valves. The epidemiological study demonstrated a transient increase in IE incidence within 1–3 months following invasive dental treatments. Clinical outcomes ranged from full recovery with antibiotic therapy and surgical intervention, to significant morbidity in pediatric cases, despite prophylactic measures. Invasive dental procedures can precipitate infective endocarditis, especially in patients with pre-existing cardiac risk factors. Increased awareness of at-risk populations, stringent infection control, and adherence to prophylactic guidelines remain essential for prevention. Further population-based research is needed to better refine risk stratification and optimize prophylactic strategies.

Keywords:

Infective Endocarditis; Dental Procedures; Bacteremia; Prophylaxis; Risk Factors; Prosthetic Heart Valves; Congenital Heart Disease; Oral Anaerobes; Prevotella; Clinical Outcomes

Proceedings Editor

Edmond Hajrizi

ISBN

978-9951-982-41-2

Location

UBT Lipjan, Kosovo

Start Date

25-10-2025 9:00 AM

End Date

26-10-2025 6:00 PM

DOI

10.33107/ubt-ic.2025.131

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Oct 25th, 9:00 AM Oct 26th, 6:00 PM

Infective Endocarditis Following Dental Procedures: A Retrospective Literature Review of Reported Cases and Clinical Outcomes

UBT Lipjan, Kosovo

Infective endocarditis (IE) remains a serious and potentially life-threatening complication associated with bacteremia following invasive dental procedures. Although preventive strategies exist, cases continue to be reported, particularly among individuals with known risk factors. This study aims to systematically review the reported cases and epidemiological evidence of IE following dental interventions. A retrospective literature review was conducted using studies indexed in PubMed that reported cases of IE following dental procedures. Three studies were included: two case reports detailing individual clinical outcomes, and one population-based observational study assessing post-procedural risk. Extracted data included patient demographics, type of dental procedure, time from procedure to infection onset, microbiological findings, risk factors, clinical management, and outcomes. Across all three studies, a clear correlation was observed between invasive dental procedures— particularly tooth extractions—and the onset of IE. The case reports identified patients with prosthetic heart valves and children with congenital heart disease as high-risk groups. Oral anaerobic flora, including Prevotella species, was implicated in cases involving prosthetic valves. The epidemiological study demonstrated a transient increase in IE incidence within 1–3 months following invasive dental treatments. Clinical outcomes ranged from full recovery with antibiotic therapy and surgical intervention, to significant morbidity in pediatric cases, despite prophylactic measures. Invasive dental procedures can precipitate infective endocarditis, especially in patients with pre-existing cardiac risk factors. Increased awareness of at-risk populations, stringent infection control, and adherence to prophylactic guidelines remain essential for prevention. Further population-based research is needed to better refine risk stratification and optimize prophylactic strategies.