Can a patient undergo dental cleaning after hip arthroscopy?

From the Guidelines

You can get a dental cleaning after a hip scope, but it is recommended to wait and consider the timing and potential risks. According to a study published in The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 1, there is no statistically significant difference in the risk of prosthetic hip or knee infections between patients who undergo dental procedures and those who do not. The study found that neither dental procedures nor antibiotic prophylaxis before dental procedures were associated with the risk of prosthetic hip or knee infections 1. However, it is still important to consider the potential risks of infection and take precautions. Some key points to consider include:

• Informing your dentist about your recent hip surgery, as they may need to take additional precautions
• Considering the timing of your dental procedure, as the risk of infection may be higher in the early postoperative period
• Discussing the potential need for prophylactic antibiotics with your orthopedic surgeon, although the evidence suggests that this may not be necessary 1
• Monitoring for signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, or drainage at your hip, and contacting your orthopedic surgeon immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. It is also worth noting that oral hygiene measures, such as regular dental cleanings, are considered low cost and provide potential benefit, and are consistent with current practice 1. Therefore, it is generally recommended to wait at least 3 months after your hip arthroscopy before having dental work done, including routine cleanings, but the decision should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the individual patient's risk factors and medical history.

From the Research

Dental Cleaning After Hip Scope

• There is no direct evidence that suggests dental cleaning should be avoided after a hip scope, also known as hip arthroscopy 2, 3.
• However, it is essential to consider the overall health and medical history of the patient before undergoing any dental procedure, including dental cleaning 4.
• Studies have shown that routine antibiotic prophylaxis before dental procedures is not necessary for patients with artificial joints, including those who have undergone hip arthroscopy 5, 6.
• The decision to undergo dental cleaning after a hip scope should be made in consultation with the patient's healthcare provider and dentist, taking into account their individual medical history and needs 4.

Considerations for Dental Procedures

• Patients who have undergone hip arthroscopy should inform their dentist about their medical history, including the hip scope procedure 4.
• The dentist may need to take precautions or modify the dental procedure to minimize the risk of complications, such as infection or bleeding 4.
• It is crucial to follow the recommended guidelines for dental procedures after hip arthroscopy, including the use of antibiotics, if necessary 5, 6.

Risks and Complications

• The risk of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after dental procedures, including dental cleaning, is low 6.
• However, patients who have undergone hip arthroscopy should be aware of the potential risks and complications associated with dental procedures, including infection, bleeding, and nerve damage 4, 2.