Severe gum disease can
instigate joint replacement infections
 Dr.
Ziomek strongly recommends 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, a patient may suffer a
total loss of bony support to the teeth. Often patients have no symptoms
of periodontal disease and are unaware that they actually have
periodontal disease until they have a dental exam. 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 scheduling joint replacement 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 at 301 984-9646.
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