Bend is home to some of the most active people in the world. Active communities typically have higher rates of total joint replacement surgeries, which is certainly true in our little corner of the world. Most people are surprised to learn that major surgeries like hip and knee replacements have specific rules and timings for dental treatments and even cleanings. In this month’s blog, we sat down with dental hygienist Nicole Tarpey to learn more about the connection between joint replacement surgery and dental care.
Before Joint Replacement Surgery – Timing Dental Work and Cleanings is Critical
Ideally, you will know if you are scheduled for a major surgery and can plan for any dental work well in advance. The Mayo Clinic experts suggest scheduling dental procedures at least four to six weeks before surgery to ensure that you are in the best possible health leading into your operation. Most of our local surgeons also follow this protocol. Some patients, particularly immunocompromised, may need to wait longer between their dental visit and surgery. Nicole recommends talking to your surgeon to determine their expectations of you. If you are having surgery in the next couple of months and are due for a cleaning or dental procedure, call us so we can schedule you appropriately.
After Joint Replacement Surgery – Understanding the Waiting Period
Most orthopedic surgeons recommend a waiting period before patients see their dentist after a joint replacement. Locally, this averages around three months but can vary based on the individual’s health and the surgeon. Why is this waiting period so critical? Dental cleanings, while essential for maintaining oral health, do carry risks.
“During a dental procedure or even a cleaning, bacteria are released,” said Nicole. “The mouth is very vascular, so bacteria can easily enter the bloodstream during these procedures. If this bacteria travels to the site of a recent surgery, it could lead to serious infections.”
The Role of Preventative Antibiotics Before Dental Appointments
Once the waiting period has passed, local surgeons recommend that patients take antibiotics as a precaution against infection before undergoing any dental procedure – even cleanings. Generally, patients take a one-time dosage of amoxicillin or Keflex approximately one hour before the dental appointment.
“We have so many patients undergoing knee and hip replacements and find that many don’t recall their surgeon instructing them about a waiting period or needing to take an antibiotic before their dental appointment,” said Nicole.
She further explained that some patients show up for their cleaning only to learn that it needs to be rescheduled because the antibiotic wasn’t taken an hour before their appointment. This can be very frustrating for patients. At Living Dental Health, we ask that the surgeon prescribe the initial dose of antibiotic, and then Dr. Andy can prescribe future antibiotics.
The duration of these antibiotics’ prescriptions can also vary significantly. Some patients may need antibiotics before a dental appointment two years after surgery, while others—especially those who are immunocompromised—might require them for life. It’s essential to consult your surgeon to understand your specific needs.
Communicating with Your Dental Provider Before and After Joint Replacement Surgery
Patients should communicate openly with their surgeon and dentist about upcoming procedures. Disclosing plans for joint replacement surgeries—or that they’ve happened recently—can help the dental office prepare appropriately. Nicole shared that at Living Dental Health, an alert can be added to their system to remind patients to take their pre-medications when necessary. However, this is only possible if the patient tells them about having surgery.
If you have major surgery, don’t overlook the importance of your dental health and how it affects your surgical outcome. Consider this a PSA: Adhere to your surgeon’s recommendations on waiting periods and antibiotics, and maintain open communication with your dental and surgical teams. This proactive approach will help you enjoy a healthier, more active life afterward.