Washington, DC
A 60-year-old female asked:
I had bilateral total hip replacements 26 months ago. is antibiotic prophylaxis still recommended prior to routine dental cleanings?
3 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Robert Hulbertanswered
24 years experience
Hip replacement: Although this topic has been debated for decades, the best person to answer it is the doctor who replaced the hips. Many factors come to play like the condition of the patients immune system, and overall health history. I will premedicate my patients for at least five years, and defer to patients hip doctor after that. Personally i had my hips replaced ten yrs ago and will premed for life.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Diixa Patelanswered
Internal Medicine - Infectious Disease 18 years experience
No: Antibiotics before dental procedures are generally recommended for those with a prosthetic heart valve, history of infective endocarditis, congenital heart disease.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Jeffrey Rosenthalanswered
31 years experience
Depends: It's up to your orthopedist. I've dealt with some who recommend antibiotics for 2 years, some 5 years and some forever. My best friend is one of the latter. His philosophy is why take a chance on a bacterial infection in the hip you've invested so much time and money.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Sep 1, 2013
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