Is dental cleaning safe after hip arthroscopy (hip scope) surgery?

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Last updated: May 6, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

It is generally safe to undergo dental cleaning after hip arthroscopy surgery without the need for prophylactic antibiotics, as the risk of prosthetic joint infection is low, according to the most recent and highest quality study 1. The American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) have updated their guidelines to reflect that antibiotic prophylaxis is not recommended for most patients with prosthetic joint implants undergoing dental procedures, including dental cleaning 1.

  • The guidelines suggest that patients with prosthetic joint implants should maintain good oral hygiene and consult with their orthopedic surgeon if they have any concerns about dental procedures.
  • A study published in 2020 found that the risk of prosthetic joint infection after dental procedures is low, and that antibiotic prophylaxis does not significantly reduce this risk 1.
  • Another study found that patients who receive unnecessary antibiotic prophylaxis can suffer from adverse effects such as antibiotic resistance, disruption of the gut microbiome, and Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) 1.
  • The ADA and AAOS recommend that patients with prosthetic joint implants should follow the same oral hygiene practices as the general population, including regular brushing and flossing, and should not delay dental procedures due to concerns about prosthetic joint infection 1.
  • It is essential to inform your dentist about your recent hip surgery so they can take necessary precautions and coordinate with your orthopedic surgeon if necessary.
  • Good oral hygiene remains crucial during your recovery period, and routine brushing and flossing pose no risk to your hip surgery site.

From the Research

Dental Cleaning Post Hip Scope Surgery

There are no research papers to assist in answering this question as the provided studies focus on thromboembolism prophylaxis after hip arthroplasty, and do not discuss dental cleaning post hip scope surgery.

  • The studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 investigate the use of various agents for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis after hip arthroplasty, including aspirin, warfarin, enoxaparin, and factor Xa inhibitors.
  • They compare the efficacy and safety of these agents in preventing venous thromboembolism and bleeding events after hip arthroplasty.
  • However, none of the studies mention dental cleaning post hip scope surgery, and therefore, there is no relevant evidence to provide an answer to this question.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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