bill 3/20
junior member
Mine said no dental cleaning for 3 months post surgery and antibiotics for life. He also wants antibiotics for dermatology.
Dragonfly's New Knee
- Thread starter Dragonfly7
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newlybionic
Former BoneSmart Staff Member
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- Oct 14, 2015
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United States
Dental antibiotics: Evidence insufficient to recommend prophylactic antibiotics for dental procedures
That is the latest info about taking antibiotics. It seems that most have been told to take them for life, some for a period of time post op and some not at all.
That is the latest info about taking antibiotics. It seems that most have been told to take them for life, some for a period of time post op and some not at all.
SuperSnapper
post-grad
In the UK we don't take antibiotics for dental work when there's been a replacement and the latest evidence suggests they are unnecessary and the practice is actually dangerous for health. We have had an enormous reduction in prescriptions for antibiotics here because we are rapidly approaching then stage where they are becoming less effective against certain bacteria through overuse. In fact some bacteria have developed which have almost total immunity to current antibiotics.
It seems in the States this idea of antibiotics being given unnecessarily is still being perpetuated and may have dire consequences for us all.
It seems in the States this idea of antibiotics being given unnecessarily is still being perpetuated and may have dire consequences for us all.
debbyS
member
My OS also said no dental work for 3 mos. That reminds me I have to reschedule my appt. for cleaning. My scheduled cleaning falls within that timeframe.
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susanne
post-grad
My surgeon said always antibiotics before dental work. Thankfully my dds always requires it and has antibiotics on hand in case I forget ( which is always)
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Jennszoo
post-grad
The U.S. seems to practice medicine from a legally defensive posture, not always what's best for the patient. Sigh.
Lumberjack55
junior member
My OS says antibiotics before dental work for life. My dentist and my primary care doctor say they aren't necessary. I will probably not take them.
SusieShoes
Former BoneSmart staff member
My dentists and I are best buds (this happens when you have as much dental work as I) and they will admit it's probably not necessary. That said, they won't tell me not to if the OS says that's what he wants. The legal system here in the States is such that much medical practice is protection from possible litigation.
Ouch! It can happen so fast without us even thinking about it!
OP
OP
Dragonfly7
member
Went for my 5 wk surgeon check up. He said I was doing great. Insurance will pick up another month of PT.
I have a love/hate relationship with PT but know it's good for me.
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I have a love/hate relationship with PT but know it's good for me.
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OP
OP
Dragonfly7
member
The PT puppies are great. They're PT asst. and I love them. It is sometimes the highlight of my day.
Oh, to be young & energetic and know what I know now.
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Oh, to be young & energetic and know what I know now.
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OP
OP
Dragonfly7
member
We have so much bacteria in our mouths that gets stirred up with a dental cleaning so it's just a precaution.
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jaschembra
post-grad
Last OS visit at 3 months, I was asked 5 questions - answered no to all 5 - they gave me a letter for myself/dentist and said it was not necessary for me to take antibiotics prior to dental cleaning. They said there was a change just recently (Nov 2016) in the OS requirements. The questions were like - am I diabetic, has anyone ever told me I have an autoimmune disease...
debbyS
member
@Dragonfly7, thanks for mentioning the change in requirements. I see my OS next tues so it may be worth asking about.
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SuperSnapper
post-grad
The approach used by jaschembra's OS seems very sensible and should ensure antibiotics are not prescribed needlessly.
OP
OP
Dragonfly7
member
5 wks post op
Left Partial Knee medial replacement, 3/22/2017, Smith-Nephew Zuk model
microwv
junior member
I had my TKR surgery last Thursday and they sent me home with a prescription of antibiotics. The directions said to take 1 hr. before seeing a dentist. Do this for the next 2 years. Must just depend on where you live.
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OP
OP
Dragonfly7
member
That's what we recommend at our dental office.
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But.....it is a very bad practice to take antibiotics "just as a precaution." This is exactly what leads to antibiotic resistant bacteria.
Here on BoneSmart we recognize that surgeons and dentists are all over the map in regard to taking antibiotics prior to procedures. But....as has been pointed out in the links provided in earlier posts.....the latest studies now show it is not necessary to have antibiotics prior to dental work.
