03/25/2026
Why is it important to premed?
If you have anything artificial or replaced in your body you should talk with your surgeon about dental premedication.
Your mouth is a house for billions of bacteria. Your joint replacement is artificial and during dental work or cleanings we go below your gums which stirs up the bacteria, which then can get into your bloodstream. Now normally this means nothing. However, with an artificial joint that bacteria will settle in that joint. There are no cells there to fight off that bacteria. This is where the premed comes into place. By taking 2000mg of antibiotic (4 tablets 1 hour before appt) this prevents any bacteria from affecting any artificial parts or replacements that you may have.
How long do you need to take a premed for? That is up to your surgeon. Some say a year, 5 years or a lifetime. Depending on what material the surgeon uses, now days some are saying you don’t need a premed.
**This is up to your surgeon not your dentist**
Below are some examples of why you would need to be premedicated before any type of dental work.
