FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Chris Martin, [email protected]
Jann Ingmire, [email protected]
312/440-2806
New Guidelines for Dental Patients with Artificial Joints
CHICAGO -- Most dental patients with prosthetic (artificial) joints will
not have to take antibiotics before going to the dentist's office for
routine treatments, according to new guidelines published in the July
issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA).
The new guidelines were developed by a panel of experts called together
by the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of
Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) who reviewed existing data to determine the
need for premedication of dental patients who have undergone total
joint replacements.
Historically, the orthopedic surgeons and other physicians have
recommended premedication of patients with prosthetic joints to prevent
possible infections.
These new guidelines mark an agreement among the groups that the
dentist will be responsible for making the dental treatment
recommendations for his or her patients.
Although the panel agreed that most prosthetic joint patients don't
need a preventive antibiotic before dental treatments to guard against
possible infections, there are some exceptions. The panel says those
at higher potential risk for infection include: patients with
compromised immune systems; people with rheumatoid arthritis;
insulin-dependent (Type 1) diabetics; those who have experienced
previous prosthetic joint infections and people who had total joint
replacements within the previous two years.
The panel also cited a number of dental procedures that could increase
the chance of infection, including: dental extractions, implant
placements and periodontal surgery.
The complete guidelines are in the July issue of JADA and also on the
ADA's website: http://www.ada.org.
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