Updated Recommendations for Premedication Prior to Dental Work in Patients With Joint Replacements

Recently, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) updated their recommendations regarding the need for antibiotic prophylaxis (also called pre-medication or pre-med) in patients with joint replacements prior to any procedure that might introduce bacteria into the bloodstream. Receiving dental treatment is considered to be one of the procedures that can cause bacteremia.

In the past, administration of antibiotics prior to dental work was only recommended during the first two years after surgery. Due to concerns about the possibility of infection following joint replacement, the AAOS now recommends that antibiotics be given before dental procedures no matter how long it has been since the joint replacement procedure. Antibiotics should be taken 1 hour prior to the dental procedure. These recommendations do not apply for patients with pins, screws, or other orthopaedic hardware that is not within a synovial joint.
Prior to each appointment we review your health history information to check for any changes that may have occurred since your last visit. It's important to let us know if any information needs to be updated. It is recommended that you delay routine dental work for a period of three months after receiving a joint replacement, unless you are having a dental emergency. If you have any questions regarding the need to take an antibiotic prior to your dental appointment please feel free to ask us or your physician.
To read the complete article, please visit http://www.aaos.org/about/papers/advistmt/1033.asp