Published by Commons Clinic. [Web version](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/dental-care-after-joint-replacement/) Reviewer names are abbreviated. Patient reviews describe individual experiences. Review counts describe source records, not unique patients or clinical outcomes; the acquired snapshot may not include complete platform histories. Clinical education and patient accounts do not replace a consultation. Hip & joint replacement # 6 questions about dental visits after hip or knee replacement A joint replacement changes the conversation with your dentist, but it does not automatically mean antibiotics before every visit. Ask your dentist and surgical team to agree on advice for the procedure and your health history. Published by Commons Clinic · Updated October 21, 2026 · 4 min read [Questions to ask ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/dental-care-after-joint-replacement/#consultation-questions) [Patient experiences ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/dental-care-after-joint-replacement/#patient-experiences) In this guide 1. [Identify the dental work being planned](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/dental-care-after-joint-replacement/#guide-section-1) 2. [Ask whether preventive antibiotics are indicated](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/dental-care-after-joint-replacement/#guide-section-2) 3. [Distinguish prevention from treating an infection](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/dental-care-after-joint-replacement/#guide-section-3) 4. [Coordinate timing without inventing a universal rule](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/dental-care-after-joint-replacement/#guide-section-4) 5. [Keep oral health part of the longer plan](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/dental-care-after-joint-replacement/#guide-section-5) 6. [Leave with a shared record of the decision](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/dental-care-after-joint-replacement/#guide-section-6) [Go to your consultation questions ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/dental-care-after-joint-replacement/#consultation-questions) ## 1. Identify the dental work being planned A routine examination, cleaning, extraction and treatment of an active infection are different situations. Tell both teams exactly what is proposed and when your replacement occurred or is scheduled. If the dentist has not yet decided on treatment, start with an assessment rather than assuming the timing of every possible procedure is the same. Keep the joint, side and operation date in your dental records. Clear details help the clinicians coordinate without relying on a broad instruction such as avoid dental work. Sources: [2024 Guideline Update: Dental Procedures and Hip/Knee Arthroplasty Infection](https://www.aaos.org/aaos-home/newsroom/press-releases/aaos-updates-clinical-practice-guideline-to-prevent-total-hip-and-knee-arthroplasty-periprosthetic-joint-infection-in-patients-undergoing-dental-procedures/) ## 2. Ask whether preventive antibiotics are indicated The 2024 AAOS guideline states that routine systemic antibiotic prophylaxis before a dental procedure may not reduce subsequent periprosthetic joint infection risk. That is not a direction to ignore a personal prescription or to take antibiotics on your own. Ask how your history, the planned dental care and any unusual risk factors affect the recommendation. If the dentist and surgeon disagree, request direct coordination. You should receive one understandable plan that explains the reasoning, potential harms and expected benefit. Sources: [2024 Guideline Update: Dental Procedures and Hip/Knee Arthroplasty Infection](https://www.aaos.org/aaos-home/newsroom/press-releases/aaos-updates-clinical-practice-guideline-to-prevent-total-hip-and-knee-arthroplasty-periprosthetic-joint-infection-in-patients-undergoing-dental-procedures/) ## 3. Distinguish prevention from treating an infection Antibiotics prescribed for an actual dental infection answer a different question from preventive medication before a procedure. Tell the surgical team about active infection, swelling, fever or an urgent dental problem, and seek dental assessment promptly. Do not postpone necessary evaluation simply because you have a replacement. Ask which clinician owns the treatment plan and whether the orthopedic procedure date needs reconsideration. If you are given medicine, understand the purpose and follow the prescribing clinician's instructions rather than reusing an old course. Sources: [2024 Guideline Update: Dental Procedures and Hip/Knee Arthroplasty Infection](https://www.aaos.org/aaos-home/newsroom/press-releases/aaos-updates-clinical-practice-guideline-to-prevent-total-hip-and-knee-arthroplasty-periprosthetic-joint-infection-in-patients-undergoing-dental-procedures/) ## 4. Coordinate timing without inventing a universal rule AAOS provides timing considerations around joint replacement and different dental procedures. Ask your teams which recommendation applies to the actual procedure you need, and whether urgency changes the plan. An elective visit may be scheduled differently from treatment of a painful infection. Request the agreed timing in writing, especially if you are planning surgery and dental work with separate offices. Avoid applying a waiting period from a friend or a different type of operation to your own care. Sources: [2024 Guideline Update: Dental Procedures and Hip/Knee Arthroplasty Infection](https://www.aaos.org/aaos-home/newsroom/press-releases/aaos-updates-clinical-practice-guideline-to-prevent-total-hip-and-knee-arthroplasty-periprosthetic-joint-infection-in-patients-undergoing-dental-procedures/) ## 5. Keep oral health part of the longer plan Ask the dentist how to maintain routine care and what symptoms should bring you back sooner. Tell them about medicines, allergies and health changes since the last appointment. After replacement, ask the surgical team what information future dentists should have and whether any special circumstances warrant a new discussion. The useful goal is coordinated ongoing care, not fear of every cleaning. Bring the exact question to your follow-up visit if the discharge paperwork is broad or appears to conflict with current dental advice. If you have difficulty arranging dental care, say so early in the replacement-planning process. Ask whether the team needs a dental assessment for a particular concern or is simply asking you to continue routine care. Those are different requests with different practical implications. Clarify who receives the dentist's findings and what, if anything, needs to be completed before the orthopedic decision proceeds. Keep that communication together with your other preparation records. Sources: [Total Hip Replacement](https://www.orthoinfo.org/treatment/total-hip-replacement/) ## 6. Leave with a shared record of the decision Write down the planned dental procedure, its date, whether an antibiotic is prescribed, and which clinician made the recommendation. Include any relevant allergy or previous antibiotic problem. If a prescription is recommended, ask about the instructions directly rather than searching for a standard dose online. At Commons Clinic, tell our team when dental planning intersects with an orthopedic operation so the appropriate clinicians can coordinate. A patient review about good communication can help you choose a practice, but your individual dental and orthopedic history must guide this decision. Sources: [Total Hip Replacement](https://www.orthoinfo.org/treatment/total-hip-replacement/) Make the most of your visit ## Questions to bring to your consultation Choose the questions that matter most to you. Bring them along, and ask us to explain anything that is unclear. - Which dental procedure is actually planned? - Does current guidance support prophylactic antibiotics for my situation? - Are we treating an infection or discussing prevention? - How should the timing relate to my replacement? - Can the dentist and surgeon resolve any conflicting instructions directly? - What should I keep in my records for future dental visits? ## Sources & further reading - [2024 Guideline Update: Dental Procedures and Hip/Knee Arthroplasty Infection](https://www.aaos.org/aaos-home/newsroom/press-releases/aaos-updates-clinical-practice-guideline-to-prevent-total-hip-and-knee-arthroplasty-periprosthetic-joint-infection-in-patients-undergoing-dental-procedures/) American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons · Published December 17, 2024 - [Total Hip Replacement](https://www.orthoinfo.org/treatment/total-hip-replacement/) American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons We use these medical sources to help explain your options and prepare you for a conversation with our team. Our guides feature our own clinicians; patient reviews describe individual experiences. [Read as Markdown](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/dental-care-after-joint-replacement/index.md) Meet our team ## People behind your care. [**Andrew Wassef, MD** Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) [More about Andrew Wassef ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) [**Christopher Combs, MD** Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints & Sports Medicine](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/christopher-combs-md/) [More about Christopher Combs ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/christopher-combs-md/) [**Eric S. Millstein, MD** Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints & Sports Medicine](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/eric-millstein/) [More about Eric S. Millstein ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/eric-millstein/) [**Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA** Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints & Sports Medicine](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) [More about Prem N. Ramkumar ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) Explore our clinicians, then talk with us about your symptoms, goals, and the care you need. Patient experiences ## Meet the clinician. *Hear the experience.* Read how patients describe their care, then bring the questions that matter to your own visit. Each portrait stays with that clinician’s accounts. [![Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) ## [Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints & Sports Medicine [Biography & all reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) [Commons Clinic profile ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) Excerpt > Dr Ramkumar is an amazing surgeon . great experience great motivation from him. R. Alpuche Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: September 12, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/105971136073422754651/place/ChIJN5abTJkz3YARYFiCkifHPjw) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA The reviewer shares their experience of care. Excerpt > I am 9 weeks post surgery and feel better than ever!!! > Thank you Dr Ramkumar J. Birdwell Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: August 31, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/107017908908843828003/place/ChIJN5abTJkz3YARYFiCkifHPjw) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA The reviewer shares their experience of care. [![Eric S. Millstein, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/eric-millstein.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/eric-millstein/) ## [Eric S. Millstein, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/eric-millstein/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints & Sports Medicine [Biography & all reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/eric-millstein/) [Commons Clinic profile ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/eric-millstein/) Excerpt > I very much appreciated that. Dr. Millstein was clearly knowledgeable about my condition, New exactly what treatment to give, and was very friendly, And accommodating. A. Silverstein Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: September 4, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/113153129407099335506/place/ChIJt04grlG5woARykBaakD_dF8) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Eric S. Millstein, MD The reviewer shares their experience of care. Excerpt > Dr. Millstein saw me on time, was thorough in his examination of my troublesome knee and offered suggestions for how to mitigate my pain. G. Rats Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: April 14, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/109905744390496596551/place/ChIJt04grlG5woARykBaakD_dF8) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Eric S. Millstein, MD The reviewer shares their experience of care. [![Andrew Wassef, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/andrew-wassef-md.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) ## [Andrew Wassef, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints [Biography & all reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) [Commons Clinic profile ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) Excerpt > 24 years later I had developed advanced osteoarthritis, among other complications. I’m lucky to have had such a great doctor take on my case. L. Vega Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: May 16, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/110881035474506944183/place/ChIJqeNILuQy3YAR9WA5ym3pGLU) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Andrew Wassef, MD The reviewer shares their experience of care. [![Christopher Combs, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/christopher-combs-md.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/christopher-combs-md/) ## [Christopher Combs, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/christopher-combs-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints & Sports Medicine [Biography & all reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/christopher-combs-md/) [Commons Clinic profile ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/christopher-combs-md/) Excerpt > Dr. Combs is very informative and friendly. Made me feel like I was actually being listened to and would definitely go back if needed. J. R. Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: October 15, 2019 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/113915058521694432128/place/ChIJH2XhMeQy3YARbezZye2vIhY) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Christopher Combs, MD The reviewer shares their experience of care. Keep exploring ## Your next *good question.* More guidance to help you understand your options and plan your next step. Hip & joint replacement ### [8 things your hip replacement consultation should make clear](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/hip-replacement-physician-questions/) Comparing hip replacement care is easier when the conversation starts with your symptoms, goals, and support needs. Ask about relevant experience, the proposed operation, realistic function, and who will help you through recovery. [Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/hip-replacement-physician-questions/) Knee ### [8 decisions before knee replacement, from goals to going home](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/knee-replacement-decision/) A useful knee replacement consultation explains the diagnosis, the options, and what the operation may change in your life. Compare the whole plan, including rehabilitation, support at home, and access to help after surgery. [Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/knee-replacement-decision/) Hip & joint replacement ### [7 changes after joint replacement worth reporting promptly](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/joint-replacement-symptoms-when-to-call/) Some discomfort and swelling can occur after replacement, but a new or worsening pattern deserves attention. Follow your discharge instructions; emergency symptoms require immediate care rather than waiting for an office reply. [Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/joint-replacement-symptoms-when-to-call/) Meet the clinicians ## Explore your *next conversation.* [![Andrew Wassef, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/andrew-wassef-md.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints ### [Andrew Wassef, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) Lakewood · Long Beach – Douglas Park [Meet Andrew Wassef](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) [![Christopher Combs, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/christopher-combs-md.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/christopher-combs-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints & Sports Medicine ### [Christopher Combs, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/christopher-combs-md/) Lakewood · Long Beach – Douglas Park [Meet Christopher Combs](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/christopher-combs-md/) [![Eric S. Millstein, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/eric-millstein.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/eric-millstein/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints & Sports Medicine ### [Eric S. Millstein, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/eric-millstein/) Santa Monica [Meet Eric S. Millstein](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/eric-millstein/) [![Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints & Sports Medicine ### [Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) Lakewood · Long Beach – Douglas Park [Meet Prem N. Ramkumar](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) ## Publisher & attribution Commons Clinic Reviews is operated by Commons Clinic. This website is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Google, Zocdoc, or Yelp. Google, Google Maps, and Google Business Profile are trademarks of Google LLC. Zocdoc and the Zocdoc logo are trademarks of Zocdoc, Inc. Yelp and the Yelp logo are registered trademarks of Yelp Inc. All third-party names and logos belong to their respective owners and identify the original review sources. © 2026 Commons Clinic. All rights reserved.