BTKR 11 wks in need dental work done!

[Christa123]

Cracked a tooth due to grinding while sleeping. I may need either root canal or tooth replacement. I was informed that even for teeth cleaning I will need to take antibiatics to avoid complications for the knees. Does anyone have any experience with this? Tooth broke off about 2 weeks agao and since I have no pain have put off getting this done. Does anyone have any experience with what is involved and how serious can this be?

Also would like to know about how long it will take until the stiffness can be expected to relax if ever?

Any suggestions will be very much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Jamie]

Christa, My OS tells me he wants me to take antibiotics before any invasive procedure including tooth cleaning. I take 4 pills 1 hour prior to dental work and I did the same for my recent colonoscopy too. Better safe than sorry! There are lots of bacteria in your mouth and if they enter the bloodstream, they could go to the inert metal joint and attach themselves there. From what I have read, the bacteria seal themselves up with a coating and just stay (and grow) there. Because the replacement joint is not part of your body, there is no way white blood cells can go to work on them. Josephine will likely repond to you with a more clinical post. There are also other threads if you want to search for them where we all have discussed use of antibiotics for dental and other procedures. Good luck on your tooth!!!

 

[Sandy R]

Definitely call your OS office and let them know you are facing dental work. They will write you an Rx. Since I'm allergic to penicillin, which is the Rx they usually give, I was given an alternative antibiotic.

You are lucky it happened after your TKR (not sure lucky is the word!). I broke a tooth a month prior to my surgery date. The OS cancelled my surgery. He told me dental work is a no-no just before a TKR. By the way, I had my teeth cleaned about 7 weeks after my TKR... took the antibiotics and had no problems at all.
Sandy

 

[Gretchendz]

Most dentists are very used to this. Just make sure he/she is aware of your TKR.

Mine gave me a prescription for antibiotics. You should be able to get a presciption from either your dentist or OS.

You will need to do this for life before any dental work. No big deal.

The stiffness in your knee will gradually get better, but it can be 12-18 months before it goes away completely. My two TKRs were 6 months apart and there a BIG difference in stiffness/soreness between them.

Good luck

 

[edk]

My dentist wanted my OS to write the Rx first, then he was happy to rewrite it when I ran out. In any case, I now add to my traveling drug arsenal 4 Keflex just in case I have any minor stuff to deal with while I am away from home.

 

[Josephine]

Penicillin is not sufficient for this - you need a broad spectrum antibiotic. Other than that I have nothing to add as it's all been said!

 

[Linda2]

Actually, amoxicillan is what I get. He usually prescribes Keflex, but something in all my other meds contraindicates that drug. My dentist also wanted the OS to write the first script.

 

[Christa123]

Thank you all for your replies in addressing this situation. Never expected so much help so quickly. You have put my mind at ease. I now am ready to make my appointment tomorrow.

Thank you for your reply regarding stiffness. I'm glad to hear it will eventually get better. I go back to work next week. I have a sit down job and have been concerned about the stiffness getting worse.

 

[Josephine]

Amoxicillin is a broad spectrum antibiotic.

 

[Linda2]

Thanks for that info, Jo. I can always count on you.