Hi all, Lthr 6 months ago and now due to make dental check up appt. I have been told, or read somewhere, can't remember, that infection is a risk if you have an artificial joint. Can anyone shed any light on this for me. My dentist was talking in January about replacing an old crown in a molar.
Hi Madnana, As you are 6 months post op, they will probably not worry, I had to have crown replaced and they said guidelines have changed and I didnt need antibs. Didnt get any infection afterwards. If they were cutting into bone then they may do. I had two foot surgeries, one to remove a nerve, no antibs, when they shortened two toes and had to cut bone away I was given IV antibs during surgery and no problems with hip or infection afterwards.
Thanks auntie beanie. From what you say I have nothing to worry about. Things like that do set me fretting a bit because I'm doing so well otherwise I don't want to spoil my progress. I'll relax now and put it out of mind.
Dear Madbana
This used to be the case until quite recently but now as far as I'm aware this is no longer the norm unless you are considered to be especially at risk. This is I think due to the dangers of resistance to antibiotics. Best to discuss this with your dentist before your appointment..
Cheers Richard
Thanks Richard,
I think my plan should be to simply make a check up appt and have a chat with my dentist. He can give me his views and I'll take it from there
Morning!
Interesting responses...
I'm in the Southeast USA and my surgeon has been VERY CLEAR that for "the rest of my life" I will require antibiotics before ALL dental work.
Even a routine cleaning.
My doctor said the same. I need to have a crown but was told to wait 6 months post surgery before the preparation work can be done.
My dentist said they would have to get word from my surgeon approving no antibiotics. His office still held to the old way of doing things and said they were needed. My brother, an oncologist, went to a physicians website to verify that newest evidence is strongly again't the use of antibiotics. I sent my surgeon an email and he agreed. A lot of doctors are ignorant and not up to date on this.
Morning debhip! I just went to my dentist for routine cleaning and I was not given any antibiotics. I too am in the USA. I think after a year it's not required.
I'm also in southeast USA. When the new guidelines went into effect a couple of years ago, I went to the dentists for a cleaning. When they discovered that I had not been on antibiotics, they would not go ahead with the cleaning. I told them that the ADA's new guidelines indicated that I did not need antibiotics. After they researched it they called me back the next day, apologized, and set up a new appointment. It is rather annoying to be more up on latest research than the professionals!
Dear Anne
Yes I completely agree with you. One has to wonder how up they are with other aspects of their profession if they have not picked up on this. They should of course be the ones instructing!
Cheers Richard