Washington Post Article on Antibiotics for Dental Patients with Artificial Joints

Should artificial joint recipients take antibiotics before visiting the dentist?

This is a link to an interesting and well-written article the in the Health Section of today’s Washington Post. The author deals with some of the confusion currently swirling around as to whether artificial joint recipients need to take antibiotics prior to visiting the dentist.  I frequently get questions on this subject from patients.

I totally agree with the conclusion of the article. There is no existing evidence that taking antibiotics has any benefit. In fact, it could do more harm than good. Unfortunately, there is some continuing resistance in the world of Orthopedics to accept the current science. As the author says, “Old habits die hard.”

Do Artificial Joints Put You at Risk of Infection at the Dentist?