Dental Implants and Hip Replacement

I wanted to get implant supported dentures. I’ve had two opinions on this surgery, but both dentists gave me different advice. One of them told me that I would need to start an antibiotic regimen before surgery and the other said it is not necessary. So, do you want a vote?

Elisa M.- Louisville, KY

Elisa,

Well, how about I just confuse the issue a little more for you. It used to be that the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) recommended that a patient be on antibiotics before any invasive dental procedure. The reasoning behind it is any bacteria introduced into the bloodstream could put you at risk of getting an infection in your hip joints.

However, in a recent discussion of the issue (December 2012) both organizations said that based on new studies that there is no direct evidence to continue making that recommendation.

I would say that there isn’t a right or wrong answer that is for every patient. I would just weigh the pros and cons of both options and choose which one you feel is best for your individual circumstance.

I will say that getting dental implants to support your dentures is a great idea. It is ideal if you can get complete dental implants, but if you can’t afford that then doing your plan of having them support your dentures are a fantastic solution.

This blog is brought to you by Naperville Dentist Dr. David Newkirk.