Replacement parts and taking antibiotics

Q: I had a hip replacement last year and was told that I need to take antibiotics before I go to the dentist. Really!? – Katie K., Brookings, S.D.

A: It’s not only a good idea, it’s essential. Reputable dentists won’t work on you if they know you’ve had an implant and refuse the antibiotic. During dental procedures, bacteria living in your mouth — and there are tens of thousands of them — can spread into your blood and lodge on the surface of artificial things, like hip, knee or heart-valve replacements. Some of these newer replacement parts have embedded antibiotics, but you still need antibiotics for a dental procedure.