Royal Oak and Birmingham, MI
For decades, antibiotics have been prescribed to some patients before certain dental treatments. Reasons for antibiotics use in dentistry may vary from treating an infected tooth to dental cleanings for those with a history of joint replacement. However, a recent guideline indicates antibiotics may no longer be considered routine for dental care in these instances.
Used to, patients with a hip or knee replacement were routinely prescribed antibiotics to take before their prophylaxis (dental cleaning), to prevent what is known as prosthetic joint Infection (PJI). During a dental cleaning, the oral bacterium may be swallowed and enter the patient’s bloodstream, causing an infection in their prosthetic joints, hence the use of antibiotics beforehand.
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) and the American Dental Association (ADA) have established this new guideline, stating that there is insufficient evidence of infection manifesting in patients with joint replacement following dental procedures. In the United States, out of 302,000 patients with a history of hip replacement, and 658,000 with a knee replacement, there was a 2% mean infection rate.
This new guideline was based on the clinical research that examined large groups of patients with previous hip or knee replacement and the other half with a prosthetic joint infection. The bottom line is that antibiotic use in patients with a prosthetic hip or knee showed no greater risk of joint infection with or without antibiotic use before their dental procedure.
The biggest takeaway is that good, consistent oral hygiene is even more important for patients with a previous joint replacement. Antibiotic use before a procedure should be patient specific. If you have questions regarding taking antibiotics before your dental procedure, discuss this with the dentist.
At Hartrick Dentistry, we welcome patients of all ages. To schedule an appointment, contact Hartrick Dentistry today at (248) 549-3399. We welcome patients of Royal Oak and Birmingham, Michigan.