How to Take Antibiotics for Dental Procedures After Joint Replacements
- 1). Determine if you are considered a high-risk patient. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports that you are considered high-risk if you've had an infection in your artificial joint, you have inflammatory arthritis, you have hemophilia or type 1 diabetes, you are malnourished or have a suppressed immune system or you have or previously had cancer.
- 2). Find out if your dental procedure is considered high-risk. According to the American Dental Association, the following services are considered high-risk: extractions, periodontic and some endodontic procedures, implant placement or teeth replantation, placement of orthodontic bands, specialized anesthetic injections or dental cleanings with anticipated bleeding.
- 3). Take two grams of amoxicillin, cephalexin or cephradine by mouth one hour before your dental procedure, as per the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
- 4). Substitute two grams of ampicillin or one gram of cefazolin by injection if you cannot take oral medication, reports the American Dental Association.
- 5). Use 600 milligrams of clindamycin by mouth or by injection if you are allergic to penicillin, in accordance with the American Dental Association's guidelines.
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