It's interesting to see current guidelines. Back in the 80's, all our patients were given prophylactic antibiotics for dental treatment. Having said that, all hip replacement patients were seldom discharged until 14 days post op. Good old days and a brilliant boss!
I’m scheduled for bilateral THR on 8th October (just over 2 weeks away) and have been declared dentally fit by my dentist. However, I am having recurring intermittent toothache due to a hairline crack in a molar which is impingeing on the nerve. My dentist says it might resolve itself but, if not, I will need a root canal filling. I really don’t know what I should do. How close to my surgery date is it safe to have root canal work done? I’m already on high dose penicillin to clear up a finger infection from a thorn. Your advice would be much appreciated.
Tricky. If your dentist is happy that the toothache is not due to infection, then I wouldn't be too concerned about it. If you need a root canal filling within 2 years of your hip replacement, I recommend antibiotics to cover the dental work. The finger infection concerns me more TBH. If there are still signs of inflammation in the finger one week before surgery, I would postpone it. Active infection is an absolute contraindication to joint replacement surgery. It's better to wait a few more weeks than to risk having an infected hip replacement. You should tell your surgeon ASAP. Hope it goes well 👌
@@Lathamhipsurgery thank you for your prompt and considered reply. My surgeon has seen the finger and was the one who prescribed the antibiotics. It has improved hugely in the past 24 hours. My dentist was confident that there was no infection so I will leave that for now - I’d hate to open myself up to anything new at this point. Thanks again
Fascinating as always, Jeremy!
It's interesting to see current guidelines. Back in the 80's, all our patients were given prophylactic antibiotics for dental treatment. Having said that, all hip replacement patients were seldom discharged until 14 days post op. Good old days and a brilliant boss!
How times change. Day case hip surgery is routine in the US!
Thank you Jeremy , excellent as always,
Thanks!
Bloody hell.Thats unbelievable and I've got 2 hip replacements.
You wont have to get the ice skates out.hahahahahs
It’s a great scene Lee. One of my favourite movies.
I’m scheduled for bilateral THR on 8th October (just over 2 weeks away) and have been declared dentally fit by my dentist. However, I am having recurring intermittent toothache due to a hairline crack in a molar which is impingeing on the nerve. My dentist says it might resolve itself but, if not, I will need a root canal filling. I really don’t know what I should do. How close to my surgery date is it safe to have root canal work done? I’m already on high dose penicillin to clear up a finger infection from a thorn. Your advice would be much appreciated.
Tricky. If your dentist is happy that the toothache is not due to infection, then I wouldn't be too concerned about it. If you need a root canal filling within 2 years of your hip replacement, I recommend antibiotics to cover the dental work. The finger infection concerns me more TBH. If there are still signs of inflammation in the finger one week before surgery, I would postpone it. Active infection is an absolute contraindication to joint replacement surgery. It's better to wait a few more weeks than to risk having an infected hip replacement. You should tell your surgeon ASAP. Hope it goes well 👌
@@Lathamhipsurgery thank you for your prompt and considered reply. My surgeon has seen the finger and was the one who prescribed the antibiotics. It has improved hugely in the past 24 hours. My dentist was confident that there was no infection so I will leave that for now - I’d hate to open myself up to anything new at this point. Thanks again
@@SomersetScytheSchoolno problem. Sounds as though things are moving in the right direction.