How Does Oral Health Affect Joint Replacement Surgery?

If you’re scheduled for joint replacement surgery, it is highly recommended that you visit your dentist for a thorough examination for the possibility of tooth and gum infections.

Periodontal disease is more common than most people realize, affecting 80% of all adults. It slowly destroys the bone that supports the teeth. It’s a slowly progressive disease and is often quite advanced in seniors.

Many adults are completely ignorant of the fact that they have periodontal disease. There is no real discomfort for the patient until they’ve totally lost the bony support for their teeth. Periodontal disease produces a certain bacterial flora that has been shown to cause an infection in joint replacements as a result of the bacterial flora traveling from the mouth, down the blood stream and spreading into the joint replacement. This is of great concern as a joint replacement infection could necessitate removal of the joint replacement parts.

People considering joint replacement surgery who haven’t visited their dentist in more than a year should schedule an appointment for a complete dental examination of their teeth and gums. If there is an infection present, it may take anywhere from two weeks to two months to clear up. Until then, surgery should be postponed.

For any individuals already possessing a prosthetic joint, maintaining proper oral hygiene is very important in preventing any future infection. Along with visiting your dentist every 6 months for a check-up, be sure to remind your dentist that you have a prosthetic joint if they are going to conduct any dental procedure.

Please call our office at (301) 770-1070 with any questions you may have regarding severe gum disease.

Best Regards,

StarBrite Dental

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