Knee & hip replacements etc. / dentistry
 

Last time I went to the dentist I had to answer a long list of questions. Some of the questions involved knee and hip replacements. I haven't had any of that done but it made me curious as to what it had to do with dentistry.

I asked the hygienist and she told me that people who have had those procedures need to take medication before having their teeth cleaned. Otherwise, bacteria can travel to the knee joint and cause an infection.

Question: What is the medication? Antibiotics? And, if so, isn't there a danger of building up a resistance after doing this a number of times?

Yes, I have to take 4 amoxicillin 1 hour before a cleaning once. Better safe than sorry. Infections are very dangerous and antibiotics should only be taken when needed.

I only had to do that for the first year or two.

Yes, I have also been told by my Ortho to take four amoxicillin an hour before having my teeth cleaned. I was told I have to do this for two years after surgery. I'm really not worried that taking four amoxicillin once every six months is going to build a resistance to antibiotics.

Interesting. I used to have to take amoxicillin when I went to the dentist for my heart murmur. Then about four years ago, they told me not to do it anymore... that the large doses of amoxicillin were causing too many problems for patience. I guess ya take your chances. I would do whatever the dentist told me was the best thing to do for my individual situation. But, I'd also do some research on it!

The guidelines and policies are continually being revised by the medical profession. I'm sure that Cardiologists and Orthopedic Surgeons have also studied the latest research. Ultimately, I'd like to think we can rely on our Specialists for the best guidance.

No resistance and you take anibiotics. Antibiotics are free here in the villages, certain ones are best for dental work.

A few pills taken before dentistry is a small price to pay. My brother had knee surgery Aug. 4 of last year. He is now going on his 9th surgery and a 3rd replacement knee on Dec. 13 of this year. All the problems caused by a strange infection he picked up who knows when or where. He has been advised he will need to take antibiotics now the rest of his life.

Premedication for Dental Visits
 

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.

Also need antibiotic for colonoscopy. Be sure to take probiotic after taking antibiotics to get your gut in balance.