Joint replacement infections can be instigated by severe gum disease
 

Dr. Ziomek strongly recommends a thorough dental examination for presence of tooth and gum infection 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 discomfort, a patient may suffer a total loss of bony support to the teeth.  Often patients have no symptoms of periodontal disease and are unaware that they actually have periodontal disease until they have a dental exam.  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 Dr. Ziomek in over a year should consider a thorough dental evaluation of their teeth and gums before scheduling joint replacement 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.