[greenhillsgirl]

It has been recommended for many years by the ADA whose members follow the recommendations of the AMA. As long ago as 20 years, the prescribed dosage was 6 tabs 500 mg amoxicillin, 1 hour prior to appointment and 3 tabs same post visit. Every so many years it changes, and the ADA changes its protocol based on new findings.
It is still recommended that for the heart issues and still recommended for the joint replacements. The dentist for whom I worked still says...yes, take the premedication for the new knee, hip, etc...
You also should have a dental clearance appointment prior to any joint replacement. If your physician doesn't bring it up, then you do. You certainly do not want an infection in a new joint area by skipping the dental exam, just for the sake of a few bucks. It might very well be listed in part of all that paperwork given to you prior to a surgery. If you don't read that stuff, well....
We always talked about it with our patients in the office so that they would be informed.
If you cannot take the amoxicillin, usually another drug is given in its stead. Currently, it is still 4 tabs 500 mg one hour prior to appointment, whichever the chosen drug.