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Dental Care post TKR

Posted by 4russcoll @4russcoll, Aug 23, 2021

After my successful TKR at Mayo Clinic JAX in April I was very concerned about infection when I had to have a tooth removed 8 weeks post-op and another at 12 weeks. Now at 16 weeks with no apparent problem. Both times followed Mayo protocol of 2000 mg amoxicillin prior and then dentist/oral surgeon prescribed 1500- 2000 mg daily for next seven days.
Thought worthwhile to share as others may encounter dental problems.

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Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Aug 23, 2021

Glad to hear your care was uneventful.

I know there is a disconnect between the ADA and some dentists and doctors regarding pre-meds for dental care after joint replacement.

My ortho is adamant that pre-meds continue indefinitely - he feels the antibiotic risk is low enough to make the precaution worthwhile. It just happens that my dentist and her practice group agree with him. I have been doing pre-meds for almost 20 years, and post-procedure meds whenever there is drilling, etc. I have never had an issue with infection - either oral or in the prosthetic joints. This also cleared up another issue I used to have of sinus infections after dental care - who knew the solution could be so simple?
Sue

REPLY
1 reply
pgcdds | @pgcdds | Aug 28, 2021
In reply to @sueinmn "Glad to hear your care was uneventful. I know there is a disconnect between the ADA..." + (show)
@sueinmn

Glad to hear your care was uneventful.

I know there is a disconnect between the ADA and some dentists and doctors regarding pre-meds for dental care after joint replacement.

My ortho is adamant that pre-meds continue indefinitely - he feels the antibiotic risk is low enough to make the precaution worthwhile. It just happens that my dentist and her practice group agree with him. I have been doing pre-meds for almost 20 years, and post-procedure meds whenever there is drilling, etc. I have never had an issue with infection - either oral or in the prosthetic joints. This also cleared up another issue I used to have of sinus infections after dental care - who knew the solution could be so simple?
Sue

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I totally agree with pre medication for life. I was a General Dentist for 38 years and always recommended premedication for joint replacement patients, regardless of what their MD recommended. Better to be safe than sorry. I am 8 weeks post op for right knee total replacement. I will premeditate for every dental appointment, even if “ it’s just a cleaning “ .

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Aug 28, 2021
In reply to @pgcdds "I totally agree with pre medication for life. I was a General Dentist for 38 years..." + (show)
@pgcdds

I totally agree with pre medication for life. I was a General Dentist for 38 years and always recommended premedication for joint replacement patients, regardless of what their MD recommended. Better to be safe than sorry. I am 8 weeks post op for right knee total replacement. I will premeditate for every dental appointment, even if “ it’s just a cleaning “ .

Jump to this post

Thanks for your support. My friend, also a retired dentist, felt the same. Unfortunately the opposite is now becoming the standard among younger dentists around here. To me, this is definitely a case where the ounce of prevention is definitely worth it - my cousin is in a wheelchair after community acquired MRSA in a new hip led to years of infections and surgeries, and ultimately removal of her implant.
Sue

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