Why take an antibiotic for the dentist when had a knee replacement?

Antibiotics may be prescribed before certain dental procedures for individuals who have had a knee replacement, as a precautionary measure to reduce the risk of developing an infection in the artificial joint. This is done especially for people with compromised immune systems or specific health conditions that make them more susceptible to infections.

During dental procedures, there is a small risk that bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and travel to other parts of the body, including the knee joint. Prosthetic joints (like knee replacements) are foreign bodies, and any infection in or around the joint can be particularly serious and difficult to treat effectively.

Therefore, for people with prosthetic joints, particularly knee replacements, dentists and doctors often take preventive measures to minimise the possibility of infection. This might involve premedication with antibiotics prior to dental procedures in order to help protect the artificial joint and ensure the long-term success of the knee replacement.