This issue is indeed very confusing! And if you research the literature, it's all over the place. My surgeon said to take antibiotics for cleanings during the first year postop, then after that you don't need to take them for cleanings but only for any other type of dental work. My dentist said she will not allow any work - including cleaning - without antibiotic premedication. I think better safe than sorry. As a nurse for many years, I personally do not feel comfortable having any dental work unless I premedicate. BTW, recently I had an abscessed tooth that had to be extracted. The oral surgeon had me take antibiotics for one week before the extraction, and five days following.