Severe gum disease can instigate
joint replacement infections
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
until they visit their dentist. 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 in over
a year should consider 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.
To close window CLICK HERE