When is it necessary to use antibiotics for dental work after having had a joint replacement?
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Dental Association, in the first two years following total joint replacement, all dental patients who are undergoing an invasive procedure, such as dental extractions or dental implants, should have antibiotic prophylaxis. After two years, only high-risk patients who are undergoing invasive procedures should have antibiotic prophylaxis. High-risk patients include those who are insulin-dependent diabetics, have had previous prosthetic infections or hemophilia. No antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended for any patient with a total joint replacement-even a high-risk patient-who is undergoing a low risk dental procedure such as fluoride treatment, X-rays or orthodontic appliance adjustment. This statement provides guidelines to supplement practitioners in their clinical judgment regarding antibiotic prophylaxis for dental patients with a total joint prosthesis. It is not intended as the standard of care nor as a subs
