Joint Replacement and Dental Treatment

This information has been designed to give a basic understanding for joint replacement patients requiring dental treatment. Please keep in mind that this is a guideline only and does not replace the ‘Position Statement of the Arthroplasty Society of Australia’.

  • Any infection (tooth/gum) or painful tooth should be treated and fully resolved before proceeding with Joint Replacement Surgery.

  • If you require urgent dental treatment as a result of infection (such as an abscess, painful tooth requiring extraction or root canal work) this must be under the cover of antibiotics - only if your dentist deems necessary for treatment of the tooth problem.

  • All non-urgent dental treatment should be deferred for at least 3 months post joint replacement surgery.

  • No antibiotics recommended unless your dentist deems them necessary for the problem with your teeth. Routine antibiotics are no longer recommended for prevention of joint prosthesis infection.