If a patient requires pre-medication but did not take it before the appointment, which procedure cannot be performed?

When a patient requires pre-medication — typically due to a history of certain heart conditions or specific medical conditions that predispose them to infective endocarditis — it is crucial for their safety prior to any invasive dental procedure. Root planing is considered an invasive procedure because it involves cleaning the root surfaces of teeth beneath the gums, which may introduce bacteria into the bloodstream. Therefore, if a patient has not taken the prescribed pre-medication, performing root planing could potentially put them at risk for serious health complications.

In contrast, procedures such as examination, teeth whitening, and fluoride treatment are typically non-invasive and do not carry the same risk of causing systemic infections. Consequently, these can generally be performed even if the patient has not received pre-medication. Understanding the nature of different dental procedures and their invasiveness in relation to patient health is essential in dental practice, especially for those requiring special considerations regarding antibiotic prophylaxis.