Should patients with hip joint prosthesis receive antibiotic prophylaxis before dental treatment?

Abstract

The safety committee of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) recommended in 2009 that clinicians should consider antibiotic prophylaxis for all patients with total joint replacement before any invasive procedure that may cause bacteremia. This has aroused confusion and anger among dentists asking for the evidence. The present review deals with different aspects of the rationale for this recommendation giving attention to views both in favor of and against it.

Keywords: hip joint prosthesis; oral bacteria; antibiotics; antibiotic prophylaxis; dental treatment

(Published: 30 August 2010)

Citation: Journal of Oral Microbiology 2010, 2: 5265 - DOI: 10.3402/jom.v2i0.5265