Hi everyone. Many of you have asked me about protocol for Dental work after a tkr. So…here is an update.
Original article: Prior to my total Knee Replacement, I needed to attend a pre-op total knee replacement class. It was very informative and I was glad it was provided. Well, while going through this class, I received some particularly surprising and interesting information about dental work after a tkr.
It turns out that for two years after a tkr, patients need to take Antibiotics every time they are planning on having a dental appointment. It doesn’t matter what type of dental work is being done, either. It can be a gentle cleaning or a fun-filled root canal. Whatever it is, antibiotics are needed.
Sometimes when dental work is done, blood is drawn. (You know, like when you’re cleaning your teeth too vigorously and they start to bleed? Or….when the dental professional inadvertently pokes your gums?)
This can increase the likelihood of an infection occurring. So, to be safe, the medical profession requires antibiotics be taken.
My dentist believes this is old school thinking, which in time will not be necessary. Regardless, I still need to follow these instructions for the time being.
I bring this up since I am going to the dentist tomorrow and needed to pick up my antibiotics today. Instructions state I take two capsules one hour prior to appointment.
Hope this helps others going through the same thing.
UPDATE: 10 years post-tkr, some people are required to still take antibiotics before any dental work. Others are not. It all depends on the individuals overall health situation and is up the the doctor’s discretion. As real life examples: I, personally, am not required to take any antibiotics prior to dental visits. Nice. An elderly friend in poor health is required to do so. Be sure to discuss this topic with both your doctor and dentist prior to any procedure. Always better to be safe than sorry.
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AUTHOR NOTE: Booktoots Healing helps total knee replacement patients find support throughout recuperation and beyond. Its mission is for patients to understand they are not alone in their ordeal with either a tkr or number of other health concerns.
This multiple award-winning site is owned and operated by Marie Buckner, a published author, tkr blogger, and tkr patient who has been living with various health conditions for over 40+ years. She enjoys sharing her experiences to help others going through the same thing.
Marie is also a proud WEGO Health Patient Leader. https://www.wegohealth.com.
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