An Update on the Use of Antibiotics Before Your Dental Visit
I have come across a recent statement from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) that reverses many years of thinking regarding the use of antibiotics prior to a dental visit. The ADA has analyzed years of data and concluded that there is very little evidence that a visit to the dentist increases the risk for septicemia (blood infection). In fact, in a study published in 2015, they found no association between dental procedures and prosthetic joint infections.(1) The AAOS has now joined the ADA in a concerted message, stating that the chance of oral bacteremia (bacteria in the blood) being related to joint infections is extremely low, with no evidence for an association.
The AAOS has recommended prophylaxis for those that are immunocompromised. Some common common conditions include, but are not limited to:
- Infection with HIV or other immunosuppressive condition
- Patients taking drugs for immunosuppression (such as in cancer treatment or for transplant protection)
- Uncontrolled diabetes
So, we continue to look at each individual case, however evidence (or lack thereof) is overwhelmingly in favor of skipping treatment with antibiotics prior to a visit to the dentist's office.
Please visit the AAOS guidelines page for complete information. Additional information can be found on the ADA website. As always, if you have questions or concerns, don't hesitate to ask the doctors at CrossKeys Dental. We would be glad to have a conversation with your orthopaedic surgeon to come up with a plan that fits your condition!
- Sollecito TP, Abt E, Lockhart PB, et al. The use of prophylactic antibiotics prior to dental procedures in patients with prosthetic joints: Evidence-based clinical practice guideline for dental practitioners--a report of the American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs. J Am Dent Assoc 2015;146(1):11-16 e8.