Well, from what I understand, here in the UK the regime is to have 2 weeks antibiotics, preferably prior to the dentistry but I couldn't find any website to support this so seems you are right!
However, I also found this interesting article.
Joint Replacement Patients Need Antibiotics Before Some Dental and Surgical Procedures
For most people, going to the dentist is not really something to which we give a lot of consideration, but for those with total joint replacements going to the dentist is reason for precaution.
Your mouth is home to many naturally occurring bacteria. These germs, when they remain in your mouth are not a problem. However, if introduced onto the blood stream, they can find their way to not so friendly places. For the average person, these wayward bacteria are no problem as the immune system deals with them swiftly. For someone who has a joint replacement or possibly other prosthetic implants, these bacteria become a reason for concern.
The materials that joint replacements are made of are non-reactive or inert. This means that they do not activate the immune system of the body. Essentially, the body accepts these materials as its own. However, because they are a foreign substance and don't have a bloody supply, they are susceptible to infection.
Bacteria may attach themselves to the metal and seal themselves off. Once they have done this, it is impossible for the immune system or for antibiotics to get at them. This means we have to prevent them from getting there in the first place!
Because prevention is the best medicine, it's important to protect yourself and your joint replacement when visiting the dentist. Regardless of the type of dental work being done, even a routine cleaning can cause bacteria to be introduced into the bloodstream. "To prevent the spread of bacteria we recommend a specific protocol (see below) of antibiotics before and after all dental work and also all surgical procedures, including tests that penetrate the skin," said John Hillyard, M.D. of Texas Center for Joint Replacement. Antibiotic protocols should be shared with your doctor or dentist. If you have questions contact your orthopaedic surgeon regarding your specific condition.
While the likelihood of an infection occurring as a result of a dental visit is remote, the investment in both time and money is a small one and well worth it.
Recommended Prophylactic Regimen for Dental, Oral or Upper Respiratory Tract Procedures
Standard Regimen
Amoxicillin 3.0 g. orally 1 hr. before procedure; 1.5 g 6 hrs. after initial dose
Amoxicillin/Penicillin Allergic Patients
Erythroycin or Cindamycin
Erythromycin Ethylsucciante,
800 mg, or Erythromycin stearate, or 1.0 g orally 2 hrs. before procedure
300 mg orally 1 hr. before procedure, 150 mg 6 hrs after initial dose.
Recommended Prophylactic Regimen for Genitourinary or Gastrointestinal Procedures
Standard Regimen
Ampicillin, Gentamicin, and Amoxicillin Intravenous or intramuscular administration of ampicillin, 2.0 g, plus gentamicin, 1.5 mg/kg (not to exceed 80 mg) 30 min. before procedure; followed by amoxicillin, 1.5 g orally 6 hrs. after initial dose; alternatively, the parenteral regimen may be repeated once 8 hrs. after initial dose.
Ampicillin/Amoxicillin/Penicillin Allergic Patients
Vancomycin and Gentamicin Intravenous administration of vancomycin, 1.0 g over 1 hr., plus intravenous or intramuscular administration of gentamicin, 1.5 mg/kg (not to exceed 80 mg) 1 hr. before procedure; may be repeated once 8 hrs. after initial dose.
Antibiotic Guidelines for Total Joint Replacement Patients Antibiotic Recommended
(call dentist or surgeon if prescription required)
- Ingrown toenail (infected)broken link removed: https://www.tcjr.com/patient_info/dental.html#Note
- Esophageal dilation
- Gallbladder surgery
- Cystoscopy
- Vaginal hysterectomy
- Dental procedures known to induce gingival or mucosal bleeding, including professional cleaning.
- Tonsillectomy and/or adeniodectomy
- Surgical operations that involve intestinal or respiratory mucosa.
- Urethral catheterization if urinary tract infection is presentbroken link removed: https://www.tcjr.com/patient_info/dental.html#Note
- Urinary tract surgery if urinary tract infection is presentbroken link removed: https://www.tcjr.com/patient_info/dental.html#Note
- Incision and drainage of infected tissuebroken link removed: https://www.tcjr.com/patient_info/dental.html#Note
- Vaginal delivery in the presence of infectionbroken link removed: https://www.tcjr.com/patient_info/dental.html#Note
Antibiotics Not Recommended
- Shedding of primary teeth
- Tympanstomy tube insertion
- Endotracheal intubation
- Cardiac catheterization
- Cesarean section
- Dental procedures not likely to induce gingival bleeding, such as simple adjustment or orthodontic appliances or filling of above the gum line
- Infection of local intraoral anesthetic (except intraligamentary injections)
- Bronchososcopy with a flexible bronchoscope, with or without biopsy
- Endoscopy with or without gastrointestinal biopsy
- In the absence of infection for urethral catheterization, dilation and curettage, uncomplicated vaginal delivery, therapeutic abortion, sterilization procedures, or insertion or removal of intrauterine devices
- Electrolysis
- Skin biopsy/removal of lesions
- Cataract surgery
Note: this table lists selected procedures but is not meant to be all-inclusive.
* In addition to prophylactic regimen for genitourinary procedures, antibiotic therapy should be directed against the most likely bacterial pathogen.
broken link removed: https://www.tcjr.com/patient_info/dental.html
United States
