Do dental procedures (other than cleanings and fillings) after tjr require antibiotics to prevent infection? some os's say 2 years some say lifetime.

Iwould say yes: There is alot of controversy saying yes and no, and most recently the doctors in the joint replacement field are saying no need, i would say why take a chance, , my 30 year old son had his replaced 2 years ago, and the person in the next bad needed his knee replaced and he or his doctors had no idea how he got the infection there that caused the replaced knee to fail, why take any chances.

Here's the latest : This recommendation seems to change all the time. The latest opinion seems to indicate that antibiotic prophylaxis is not needed. Follow the link for the latest info from the ada. http://www.ada.org/8059.aspx.

Yes, antibiotics.: Most orthopaedists recommend that prophylactic antibiotics be used before dental procedures for lifetime. In the past the ada and aaos have suggested this could be discontinued after 2 years. They now suggest that it is the surgeons choice. I have personally seen dental related infections after 2 years, so i recommend lifetime prophylaxis.

Protocol changing: This protocol has changed several times in recent years. While one still needs to be infection free (including oral infection) prior to tjr surgery, several sources now say that antibiotic pre-medication prior to dental care is no longer needed. My advise is to follow the guidelines of your orthopedic surgeon and let your dentist know his directions.