Dental Work

After any joint replacement you are at an increased risk of infection if you have bacteria in your blood.  The bacteria have an advantage if they stick to a metal implant.  Examples of when you might have bacteria in your blood would be a root canal or an infection in your extremity, lungs or urine.  Our general recommendation is to be aggressive treating any infection to minimize your risk of spread to your joint replacement.  Feel free to call if you have questions regarding this.  The consensus between dentists and orthopedic surgeons is that you do not need antibiotics for routine dental cleaning, unless you are immunocompromised.   Patients with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or on immunosuppressive medications for other conditions, should have antibiotics before and after dental cleaning.