Dental appointment after 3 months of TKR

How long are you supposed to take antibiotics prior to dental appointments after TKR? I've heard different things.

@maryelle My doctor has told me to take the rest of my life - it really is not a big deal - 4 tablets an hour before any procedure

OK, thanks. I've heard that, too. I've had knee and shoulder replacements, so it's best I take it.

Thanks for the replies. Makes me feel a lot better.

Hello,
I have recent specific history re dental care and devices.
First your ortho doc will definitely have a timeframe he/she prefers for one to have dental care after device. My docs prefer to have one wait 3 months.
(Wed. 01Apr26 I had hip and two yrs back knee).
I always take a prophylactic dose of antibiotic the day or day prior to visit. (Usually amoxicillin).
One definitely wants to adhere to this last step as you do NOT want device infection.
Hope this helps.

@tiredoftkr thanks. This helps.

I have read that antibiotics are deemed no longer necessary prior to dental appointments.
I will be 1 year post hip replacement as of 5/20/26. Is this correct?

@bellatheball please check with your surgeon. My surgeon told me to wait 6 months and prescribed antibiotic to take 1 hour prior to the dental appointment.

@bellatheball
This is what my surgeon told me as well, that current recommendations do not suggest antibiotics for routine dental cleanings. Obviously if you are a patient with other risky conditions for infection, or are having dental surgery that is different. That said, both he and my dentist were willing prescribe them if I felt I needed them for any dental work.

@ddsack i need to clarify with my surgeon if you only need antibiotic for periodontal, deep cleaning and other procedures and not for routine dental cleaning.