In December 2012, the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) released a clinical practice guideline on antibiotic prophylaxis for dental patients with orthopedic implants.
Based on a collaborative systematic review of the scientific literature, the ADA/AAOS found that the evidence does not support routine prescription of antibiotic prophylaxis for joint replacement patients undergoing dental procedures.
The ADA/AAOS guideline makes 3 recommendations concerning:
- prophylactic antibiotics prescriptions for patients with hip and knee prosthetic joint implants undergoing dental procedures;
- the use of topical oral antimicrobials in patients with prosthetic joint implants or other orthopedic implants undergoing dental procedures; and
- oral hygiene for patients with prosthetic joint implants or other orthopedic implants.
CDA's Committee on Clinical and Scientific Affairs is reviewing the new ADA/AAOS guideline to determine if any changes should be made to CDA's current position statement.
As always, dentists are encouraged to base the decision on the need for antibiotic prophylaxis on the best available evidence, clinical judgment and patient preferences.
The full guideline and other supporting documents are available in the "Oral Health Topics" section of the ADA website at: www.ada.org/286.aspx.