It’s important that you care for your teeth at all times throughout your life, but that’s especially true in the time leading up to and after your joint replacement procedure. If you are slated to undergo a knee or hip replacement, there’s a good chance that you’re focused on improving the health of these joints in the lead up to your procedure, but you also want to be mindful of your dental health so that a cavity doesn’t end up causing major problems for your new joint. In today’s blog, we explain why your joint replacement surgeon will probably cover dental health during a pre-op consultation, and we explain how to manage dental issues before and after your surgical procedure.
Why Dental Health Matters For Joint Replacement Patients
When you’re having dental work performed, there is an increased risk of bacteria from the mouth entering your bloodstream. Your body typically does a good job fighting off these foreign invaders, but if your body’s defense system is weakened as a result of the trauma and recovery efforts following a joint replacement procedure, these bacteria can cause problems for your body. If it leads to the development of an infection, it can be life threatening and compromise the integrity of your new joint. Needless to say, it’s imperative that you work to have good oral health and you plan your dental work appropriately if you’ll be having a joint replacement procedure in the near future.
Every surgeon and dentist will have their own recommendations based on your individual needs, but here’s a general list of dental-related recommendations for patients who will be undergoing a joint replacement procedure.
- Inform your dentist of any upcoming surgeries.
- Take prescription antibiotics prescribed by your dentist prior to any dental work.
- Single-use prescription antibiotics are typically recommended to be taken prior to any dental work that will be performed within one year following your joint replacement procedure.
- Try to have any dental cleanings or required dental work performed at least four weeks prior to your joint replacement procedure.
- Do not schedule any dental work within two weeks of your joint replacement operation.
- Try to avoid dental cleanings for 2-3 months after surgery, and major dental work for at least three months following joint replacement.
- Long-term antibiotic use may be recommended prior to dental work for the rest of your life if you have a weakened immune system or have an underlying bleeding disorder.
Making sure that you stay healthy after joint replacement surgery is Dr. Botero’s priority, so that will include some information and tips for managing your oral health before and after your procedure. We leave no stone uncovered when it comes to your well being after joint replacement procedure, so let us help you get the care you need to remain active in the face of a major joint issue.
For more information about managing your dental health prior to and following a joint replacement procedure, or for help with a knee or hip issue that you’re dealing with, pick up the phone and call Dr. Botero’s office today at (865) 558-4444.
