The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) in coordination with the American Dental Associtaion (ADA) and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) have changed their protocol for antiobiotic prophylactic coverage for patients who have received total joint replacement.  Patients who have received a total joint replacment (including pins and other retentive elements) are NO Longer Required to take prophylactic antbiotics prior to dental appointments. 

An evidence-based review of literature has shown the risk of complications from taking a prophylactic antiobiotic is greater than the chance the antiobiotic coverage will prevent infection localized to the joint. The prophylactic use of antibiotics results in unnecessary use of antiobiotics increasing the risk for the production of antiobic-resistant strains of bacteria.

For more information, please refer to:

http://www.cda-adc.ca/_files/position_statements/totalJointReplacement.pdf

http://www.aaos.org/Research/guidelines/guide.asp