Infections in joint replacements
can be instigated by Severe gum problems A thorough dental examination for
presence of tooth and gum infection is recommended prior
to joint replacement.
Periodontal disease is a commonly occurring oral infection
of the adult population (80% of adults are affected)
destroying the bony support of the teeth. This infection
slowly progresses over the lifetime of the patient and
is often manifested in the advanced stage in the senior
population.
Because of the lack of any discomfort to the patient
until total loss of bony support to the teeth, many
adults are unaware that they have this infection. However,
the bacteria from this bone destroying disease, especially
in the more advanced cases, has been attributed to possible
infection of joint replacements.
Candidates for joint replacements who have not been
seen by a dentist in over a year should be considered
for a thorough dental evaluation of their teeth and
gums before surgery.
Depending on the severity of the infection, treatment
of gum infections and tooth abscesses may take from
two weeks to two months before the patient reaches adequate
health before surgery.
If you have any questions about infection in joint replacements,
please call our office.
Patient
concerns about AIDS A recent survey of dental
patients showed that patient protection was #1 on their
list of concerns about dental care. Some patients have
even quit going to the dentist because of their fears.
Fortunately, trips to the dentist have never been safer.
The case in Florida where the patient was apparently
infected with the AIDS virus by her dentist is the only
such case out of tens of millions of dental treatments
performed since the introduction of the virus. The Center
for Disease Control still does not know the method of
infection.Ê
However, even one case is too many. We have responded
by adopting "universal (or standard) precautions". These
involve sterilizing all instruments in dry-heat ovens
or steam autoclaves to kill any bacteria. Disposable
items are used whenever possible. The chance of contracting
an infection in the dental chair is extremely remote,
but the chance of losing one's teeth because of lack
of proper dental care is extremely likely.Ê
