Thursday, May 26, 2011

Osteoarthritis post #25


Consider your teeth and gums
Do you have gingivitis or periodontal disease?  The infection and inflammation of gum disease needs to be treated by a dentist before a total joint surgery.  The infection present in gingivitis could cause an infection problem in the new total joint site.  This teeth cleaning and treatment needs to be done and time for healing needs to be allowed before a total joint replacement.  The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) gives information at  http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00220   
Also ask your surgeon about teeth cleaning procedures for after your total joint replacements.  Many surgeons recommend a prophylactic (preventive antibiotic) before teeth cleaning after total joint replacements

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