Last reviewed: September 29, 2026

Usually not.

For years, many people with a joint replacement were told to take antibiotics before seeing the dentist, in case bacteria from the mouth reached the new joint. That advice has changed. The current orthopedic guideline says routine antibiotics before dental work may not lower the risk of a later infection in the joint. Dental guidance says the same.

The studies behind this are large but based on records, and the evidence is rated low quality. Across them, dental work did not raise the risk of infection in the new joint, and antibiotics taken beforehand did not lower it. Antibiotics carry their own risks, including side effects and resistant bacteria.

Research is thinnest for people with a weakened immune system, a previous joint infection or a redo replacement. The one large study that included redo knee replacements found antibiotics did not lower infection. For more invasive dental work in people with a severely weakened immune system, expert panels are split.

In general:

  • Routine checkups and cleanings do not call for antibiotics.
  • Daily care of the teeth and gums matters.
  • If you have a weakened immune system, other serious health conditions, a previous joint infection, or a redo replacement, it is worth discussing this further with your surgeon and your dentist.
  • If your surgeon and dentist give different advice, ask them to settle it together.

Drafted with AI assistance from published sources, reviewed and edited by Babak Sheikh, MD.

Sources:

  • Fillingham YA, et al. AAOS Clinical Practice Guideline Summary: Prevention of Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty Periprosthetic Joint Infection in Patients Undergoing Dental Procedures. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2025. https://doi.org/10.5435/JAAOS-D-25-00458
  • Grosso MJ, et al. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Appropriate Use Criteria: Prevention of Orthopaedic Implant Infection in Patients Undergoing Dental Procedures. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2026. https://doi.org/10.5435/JAAOS-D-25-01335
  • Mullen MT, et al. Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Dental Procedures Following Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Arthroplasty. 2026. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arth.2025.08.079
  • Park HJ, et al. Is Prophylactic Antibiotic Use Necessary Before Dental Procedures in Primary and Revision TKA? A Propensity Score-Matched, Large-Database Study. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2024. https://doi.org/10.1097/CORR.0000000000002966
  • Goff DA, et al. Review of Guidelines for Dental Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Prevention of Endocarditis and Prosthetic Joint Infections and Need for Dental Stewardship. Clin Infect Dis. 2020. https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/ciz1118

This is general information about what published research shows. It is not medical advice and it is not about your situation. Reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship with me. I am a retired orthopedic surgeon and I do not see patients. Talk with your own doctor before changing anything about your care. If something feels suddenly or seriously wrong, get medical care promptly rather than waiting.

This page is provided as is. I make no guarantee that it is accurate, complete or current, and medical evidence changes. Use of it is at your own risk.

Published by Clinical Evidence Media LLC. Full disclaimer and how these answers are researched: Disclaimer and how these answers are made