Re: Antibiotics with dental care

[Guest guest]

My doc said to take them before dental work for 2 years. I just had to take

them at the time of the work, not ongoing. Your prescription should say how

you¹re supposed to take them so I don¹t see why the dentist needs a fax.

Best,

Jackie

On 1/7/10 9:21 PM, " " <tracyasher_2000@...> wrote:

>

>

>

>

>

> I had my first dental appointment last month after my surgery and took the

> antibiotics my dentist prescribed. She wanted something in writing for my

> chart from my OS regarding how long he wanted me to take antibiotics. From

> what was faxed, Dr. T. wants me to take antibiotics before dental work

> indefinitely/forever. My next appointment with my surgeon isn't till Feb, and

> I plan to ask about this then. I have no problems complying with it, but I've

> heard that other TKR patients take antibiotics for more like two years

> post-surgery. Right now I don't know if this is standard protocol with all

> his patients.

> What has everyone been told by their surgeons as to how long to take

> antibiotics prior to any dental work?

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I just had my first post-op dental appointment and took 2000 mg of Amoxicillin

(sp?) one hour prior to procedure. My dentist told me to plan on doing this for

the next three years.

Antibiotics with dental care

I had my first dental appointment last month after my surgery and took the

antibiotics my dentist prescribed. She wanted something in writing for my chart

from my OS regarding how long he wanted me to take antibiotics. From what was

faxed, Dr. T. wants me to take antibiotics before dental work

indefinitely/forever. My next appointment with my surgeon isn't till Feb, and I

plan to ask about this then. I have no problems complying with it, but I've

heard that other TKR patients take antibiotics for more like two years

post-surgery. Right now I don't know if this is standard protocol with all his

patients.

What has everyone been told by their surgeons as to how long to take

antibiotics prior to any dental work?

------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Why are antibiotics needed for dental work after a tkr?

[Guest guest]

Dental work can unleash bacteria into the bloodstream which can cause

an infection in the artificial joint. Artificial joints are very

vulnerable to infection.

People with heart murmurs also take prophylactic bacteria prior to

dental work as they are vulnerable to heart infections.

The only issue is whether it is needed for 2 years or for the rest of

one's life. I believe the " official " position is 2 years following

surgery.

On Jan 8, 2010, at 7:44 AM, karla wilson wrote:

> Why are antibiotics needed for dental work after a tkr?

>

>

[Guest guest]

jujulabee@... wrote:

> Dental work can unleash bacteria into the bloodstream which can cause

> an infection in the artificial joint. Artificial joints are very

> vulnerable to infection. . . .

> The only issue is whether it is needed for 2 years or for the rest of

> one's life. I believe the " official " position is 2 years following

> surgery.

Doesn't sound very logical. If bacteria from the teeth can get in the

blood stream and infect an artificial joint in the first 2 years, why

can't it do the same AFTER 2 years?

Mick.

--

*****************************************************

'Be not forgetful to entertain strangers; for thereby

some have entertained angels unawares!'

*****************************************************

[Guest guest]

I am neither a doctor nor a dentist but I assume that the medical

community has determined that the joint has been completely " sealed

off " and therefore the risk of contamination from bacteria is no

longer present.

It is actually bacteria from the gums -- the most dangerous procedure

to have done would be tooth cleaning. My mother had a heart murmur and

only needed the antibiotics prior to having her teeth cleaned because

the procedure is so invasive -- most people bleed and there is a lot

of oral bacteria that can enter the blood stream.

On Jan 8, 2010, at 7:53 AM, Mick Armitage wrote:

> jujulabee@... wrote:

> > Dental work can unleash bacteria into the bloodstream which can

> cause

> > an infection in the artificial joint. Artificial joints are very

> > vulnerable to infection. . . .

>

> > The only issue is whether it is needed for 2 years or for the rest

> of

> > one's life. I believe the " official " position is 2 years following

> > surgery.

>

> Doesn't sound very logical. If bacteria from the teeth can get in the

> blood stream and infect an artificial joint in the first 2 years, why

> can't it do the same AFTER 2 years?

>

> Mick.

>

> --

> *****************************************************

> 'Be not forgetful to entertain strangers; for thereby

> some have entertained angels unawares!'

> *****************************************************

>

>

[Guest guest]

I've encountered the resistance to pre-medicate with antibiotics also. What I

have learned is that at some point the artificial joint becomes enclosed in

fluid filled sack. Much like a normal joint. I hadn't heard how long it takes

for the sack to form. Here is some info

http://orthopedics.about.com/od/hipkneereplacement/f/antibiotics.htm ,

http://www.ejbjs.org/cgi/content/full/78/11/1755 ,

http://www.aaos.org/News/aaosnow/may09/cover2.asp .

The medical profession can't make up it's mind. They don't have data saying

it's needed or not needed. The original recommendations apparently were made

based on small risk if given, huge risk if not given. Now, they aren't sure

they want to continue the recommendation without data to support it. Collecting

the data of those not pre-medicated could come a tremendous cost to the health,

quality of life, and finances of the subjects.

My dentist refused to pre-medicate. My OS requires it, puts it in writing but

won't write the scripts. My GP doesn't want to be involved and has said he

won't write a script either. What's a person to do? Gamble with your health?

Apparently there is no agreement in the medical community, so patients are left

with uncertainty.

I'd like to know yes or no; but some say yes, some say no, some say don't ask

me.

> > > Dental work can unleash bacteria into the bloodstream which can

> > cause

> > > an infection in the artificial joint. Artificial joints are very

> > > vulnerable to infection. . . .

> >

> > > The only issue is whether it is needed for 2 years or for the rest

> > of

> > > one's life. I believe the " official " position is 2 years following

> > > surgery.

> >

> > Doesn't sound very logical. If bacteria from the teeth can get in the

> > blood stream and infect an artificial joint in the first 2 years, why

> > can't it do the same AFTER 2 years?

> >

> > Mick.

> >

> > --

> > *****************************************************

> > 'Be not forgetful to entertain strangers; for thereby

> > some have entertained angels unawares!'

> > *****************************************************

> >

> >

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Jackie,

The prescription does say how I take them (four 500 mg Amoxicillan (sp?) one

hour before any dental work...teeth cleaning/root canal/bridgework/anything).

My dentist wanted something for my chart from the OS regarding how long he wants

me medicated for dental work post- TKR. I'd heard that people take the

antibiotics for two years after TKR, so was surprized when the info. he faxed

the dentist was (essentially) forever.

>

> My doc said to take them before dental work for 2 years. I just had to take

> them at the time of the work, not ongoing. Your prescription should say how

> you¹re supposed to take them so I don¹t see why the dentist needs a fax.

>

> Best,

> Jackie

>

[Guest guest]

Curtis, What a catch 22 you are in. I did not know there was controversy on this

subject. From the get -go all my doctors, endodontist, GP, OS, and general

dentist ALL said I would need to take antibiotics before any dental procedures

post surgery. They all told me to get as much dental work done as possible prior

to my TKR. I was in the middle of getting an implant and had to postpone the

final work for another 6 months after surgery. Thank you for this information. I

am glad to know that all my docs are on the same page. Good luck.

Re: Antibiotics with dental care

I've encountered the resistance to pre-medicate with antibiotics also. What I

have learned is that at some point the artificial joint becomes enclosed in

fluid filled sack. Much like a normal joint. I hadn't heard how long it takes

for the sack to form. Here is some info

http://orthopedics.about.com/od/hipkneereplacement/f/antibiotics.htm ,

http://www.ejbjs.org/cgi/content/full/78/11/1755 ,

http://www.aaos.org/News/aaosnow/may09/cover2.asp .

The medical profession can't make up it's mind. They don't have data saying

it's needed or not needed. The original recommendations apparently were made

based on small risk if given, huge risk if not given. Now, they aren't sure they

want to continue the recommendation without data to support it. Collecting the

data of those not pre-medicated could come a tremendous cost to the health,

quality of life, and finances of the subjects.

My dentist refused to pre-medicate. My OS requires it, puts it in writing but

won't write the scripts. My GP doesn't want to be involved and has said he won't

write a script either. What's a person to do? Gamble with your health?

Apparently there is no agreement in the medical community, so patients are left

with uncertainty.

I'd like to know yes or no; but some say yes, some say no, some say don't ask

me.

> > > Dental work can unleash bacteria into the bloodstream which can

> > cause

> > > an infection in the artificial joint. Artificial joints are very

> > > vulnerable to infection. . . .

> >

> > > The only issue is whether it is needed for 2 years or for the rest

> > of

> > > one's life. I believe the " official " position is 2 years following

> > > surgery.

> >

> > Doesn't sound very logical. If bacteria from the teeth can get in the

> > blood stream and infect an artificial joint in the first 2 years, why

> > can't it do the same AFTER 2 years?

> >

> > Mick.

> >

> > --

> > *****************************************************

> > 'Be not forgetful to entertain strangers; for thereby

> > some have entertained angels unawares!'

> > *****************************************************

> >

> >

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

My goodness! Both my dentist and my OS were in agreement on the need for and

amount of antibiotics. And my regular doctor wrote the prescription for me. So

glad I didn't have the sort of conflict you went through.

RTKR-9/16/09

Re: Antibiotics with dental care

I've encountered the resistance to pre-medicate with antibiotics also. What I

have learned is that at some point the artificial joint becomes enclosed in

fluid filled sack. Much like a normal joint. I hadn't heard how long it takes

for the sack to form. Here is some info

http://orthopedics.about.com/od/hipkneereplacement/f/antibiotics.htm ,

http://www.ejbjs.org/cgi/content/full/78/11/1755 ,

http://www.aaos.org/News/aaosnow/may09/cover2.asp .

The medical profession can't make up it's mind. They don't have data saying

it's needed or not needed. The original recommendations apparently were made

based on small risk if given, huge risk if not given. Now, they aren't sure

they want to continue the recommendation without data to support it. Collecting

the data of those not pre-medicated could come a tremendous cost to the health,

quality of life, and finances of the subjects.

My dentist refused to pre-medicate. My OS requires it, puts it in writing but

won't write the scripts. My GP doesn't want to be involved and has said he

won't write a script either. What's a person to do? Gamble with your health?

Apparently there is no agreement in the medical community, so patients are left

with uncertainty.

I'd like to know yes or no; but some say yes, some say no, some say don't ask

me.

> > > Dental work can unleash bacteria into the bloodstream which can

> > cause

> > > an infection in the artificial joint. Artificial joints are very

> > > vulnerable to infection. . . .

> >

> > > The only issue is whether it is needed for 2 years or for the rest

> > of

> > > one's life. I believe the " official " position is 2 years following

> > > surgery.

> >

> > Doesn't sound very logical. If bacteria from the teeth can get in the

> > blood stream and infect an artificial joint in the first 2 years, why

> > can't it do the same AFTER 2 years?

> >

> > Mick.

> >

> > --

> > *****************************************************

> > 'Be not forgetful to entertain strangers; for thereby

> > some have entertained angels unawares!'

> > *****************************************************

> >

> >

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

That¹s ridiculous. My OS just writes the prescriptions -- he is after all

the doctor ordering the meds. I¹ve never heard of a doctor prescribing a

medication but withholding a prescription. What reason was your OS give

for not writing the script?

Hope you get this resolved, Curtis

Best,

Jackie

On 1/9/10 5:01 AM, " Kohn " <katiekohn@...> wrote:

>

> Curtis, What a catch 22 you are in. I did not know there was controversy on

> this subject. From the get -go all my doctors, endodontist, GP, OS, and

> general dentist ALL said I would need to take antibiotics before any dental

> procedures post surgery. They all told me to get as much dental work done as

> possible prior to my TKR. I was in the middle of getting an implant and had

> to postpone the final work for another 6 months after surgery. Thank you for

> this information. I am glad to know that all my docs are on the same page.

> Good luck.

> Re: Antibiotics with dental care

>

> I've encountered the resistance to pre-medicate with antibiotics also. What I

> have learned is that at some point the artificial joint becomes enclosed in

> fluid filled sack. Much like a normal joint. I hadn't heard how long it takes

> for the sack to form. Here is some info

> http://orthopedics.about.com/od/hipkneereplacement/f/antibiotics.htm ,

> http://www.ejbjs.org/cgi/content/full/78/11/1755 ,

> http://www.aaos.org/News/aaosnow/may09/cover2.asp .

>

> The medical profession can't make up it's mind. They don't have data saying

> it's needed or not needed. The original recommendations apparently were made

> based on small risk if given, huge risk if not given. Now, they aren't sure

> they want to continue the recommendation without data to support it.

> Collecting the data of those not pre-medicated could come a tremendous cost to

> the health, quality of life, and finances of the subjects.

>

> My dentist refused to pre-medicate. My OS requires it, puts it in writing but

> won't write the scripts. My GP doesn't want to be involved and has said he

> won't write a script either. What's a person to do? Gamble with your health?

> Apparently there is no agreement in the medical community, so patients are

> left with uncertainty.

>

> I'd like to know yes or no; but some say yes, some say no, some say don't ask

> me.

>

>

>>>> > > > Dental work can unleash bacteria into the bloodstream which can

>>> > > cause

>>>> > > > an infection in the artificial joint. Artificial joints are very

>>>> > > > vulnerable to infection. . . .

>>> > >

>>>> > > > The only issue is whether it is needed for 2 years or for the rest

>>> > > of

>>>> > > > one's life. I believe the " official " position is 2 years following

>>>> > > > surgery.

>>> > >

>>> > > Doesn't sound very logical. If bacteria from the teeth can get in the

>>> > > blood stream and infect an artificial joint in the first 2 years, why

>>> > > can't it do the same AFTER 2 years?

>>> > >

>>> > > Mick.

>>> > >

>>> > > --

>>> > > *****************************************************

>>> > > 'Be not forgetful to entertain strangers; for thereby

>>> > > some have entertained angels unawares!'

>>> > > *****************************************************

>>> > >

>>> > >

>> >

>> >

>> >

>> >

[Guest guest]

Reason given was he hadn't seen me in over 6 months. What can I say. He is an

excellent Doctor and is very busy. Now that I have 2 artificial hips, I'm going

to be more assertive in resolving the issue about being pre-medicated. If I

can't get the dentist, OS, or GP to write the script I may have to find a

different dentist. Just another challenge on the scenic highway of life.

Curt

>

> That¹s ridiculous. My OS just writes the prescriptions -- he is after all

> the doctor ordering the meds. I¹ve never heard of a doctor prescribing a

> medication but withholding a prescription. What reason was your OS give

> for not writing the script?

>

> Hope you get this resolved, Curtis

> Best,

> Jackie

>