People who have had their spleen removed are at greater risk of getting certain infections. Even more importantly, when one of these infections occurs, it is more likely to be very serious because the infection can overwhelm the immune system.

However, the bacteria that live in our mouths do not pose any special risk to people who have had splenectomy. So, splenectomy alone does not require the use of prophylactic antibiotics for dental procedures.

In fact, the guidelines for prophylactic antibiotics to prevent infection of a heart valve have recently been revised. According to the new guidelines, fewer people will need to take antibiotics prior to dental work. For example, most people with a simple heart murmur or uncomplicated mitral valve prolapse do not require antibiotic prophylaxis.

This is a good chance to remind people who have had splenectomy to make sure that their immunizations are up to date. They should receive pneumonia, meningitis and H. flu vaccines; and they will need periodic boosters of the pneumonia vaccine, usually once every five years or so. People with splenectomies also should get a standard influenza vaccine every year.