July 4 2008 Newsletter
Severe Gum Disease Can Instigate
Joint Replacement Infections
A thorough dental examination for presence of tooth and gum
infection is recommended prior to joint replacement.
Periodontal disease is a commonly occurring oral infection
of the adult population (80% of adults are affected) destroying
the bony support of the teeth. This infection slowly progresses
over the lifetime of the patient and is often manifested in the
advanced stage in the senior population.
Because of the lack of any discomfort to the patient until
total loss of bony support to the teeth, many adults are
unaware that they have this infection. However, the bacteria
from this bone destroying disease, especially in the more
advanced cases, has been attributed to possible infection of
joint replacements.
Candidates for joint replacements who have not been seen by
a dentist in over a year should be considered for a thorough
dental evaluation of their teeth and gums before surgery.
Depending on the severity of the infection, treatment of gum
infections and tooth abscesses may take from two weeks to two
months before the patient reaches adequate health before
surgery.
If you have questions regarding severe gum disease, please
call our office at (212)988-8822 or email us at
info@DrSimonRosenberg.com
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