Wellness

[151949]

The drug is antibiotics because if a person with a metal impalnt gets any bacteria in their blood stream during a dental procedure it will colonize on the implant and then the implant will have to be removed.

[SeaMaiden]

@kismet  The information on use of antibiotics prior to dental work after joint replacement  in America is  out of date.  Data now shows no correlation between bacteria in the mouth  causing infection to go to the new joints.  The ADA has even updated its information to the new findings, but the AMA is still behind the times.  In Europe no doctors tell their patients to use antibiotics... 

I have had both hips and both knee replaced over the last three years. I have had cleanings, root canals, crowns done  with no antibiotics taken. The only thing I did do I wait 6 months after joint replacement to have any dental work done.  I even had an emergency root canal done days prior to my hip replacement..... 

You have to review the data and really decide for yourself. My doctor is still from the old school  of thinking telling his patients to do antibiotics for life before dental work.. I choose to go against his protocol and just do not tell him.

[SeaMaiden]

@Tinkrbl44  It is antibiotics 

[151949]

My dentist got a septic hip after a joint replacement and a dental procedure. He had to have the hip removed, antibiotics killed hjis kidneys and he was on dialysis until he got as transplant. then eventually he was able to get a new hip. He did not work for about 3 years and still has much difficulty walking. I'll not chance that, thank you very much. He doesn't chance it for any of his patients either.

[chrystaltree]

Learn something new everyday.  I did not know that prophalactic antibiotics were required prior to dental procedures after knee replacement surgery.

[Allegheny]

@kismet

If you google "Antibiotic Prophylaxis Prior to Dental Procedures" it will take you to the American Dental Association website which provides up to date criteria for dental premedication.

[chickenbutt]

I've been given antibiotics to start taking before a procedure with the oral surgeon.  It's just a safeguard to, hopefully, preclude any infection problems.  Made sense to me.  

[Tissyanne]

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@kismet wrote:

I recently posted that I needed a root canal on a tooth.  After seeing the dentist I had two teeth that needed root canals due to an infection.  I had one root canal done through the tooth but the other one has to be done as a surgical procedure.

Has anyone that had knee replacement been told they have to have medication before any dental procedure.  My dentist said the rules have changed and it's 2 years.  I called my ortho doctor and they couldn't tell me.  Never called me back.  My dentist said she can prescribe one but wonders if I really need it.  I'm 5 years out on surgery.

I do have an allergy to penicillin and was given clindamycin which I won't take because of the side effects.  Anyone have any information that may be more up to date.

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@kismet, What are Clindamycin side effects? I ask because my son is taking it?

[Kachina624]

There was extensive publicity on this a couple years ago.  I saved info but of course, now can't find it.  It was suggested that the antibiotics were not necassary.  I've had a TKR, but don't like the idea of unnecessarily taking antibiotics.

I discussed it with my dentist and he said it would be optional for the patient.  I opted not to take them.

I'm sure there is info online about this issue; just Google it.

[RedTop]

I saw the dentist today, and took my 2000 mg dose of Amoxicillan 2 hrs before my appointment, just as I've done for every dental appointment for the last 3 1/2 years.   When I saw my ortho physician in April for the yearly X-ray of my replaced knee, he is still in full support of this preventive measure for invasive procedures.  

My dermatologist gives me 7 days of antibiotic treatment with all invasive procedures as a precaution.    I receive IV antibiotics when I have my colonoscopies.   I'm not putting myself at risk after my $35,000 knee replacement, and have no problem getting the antibiotic prescription.