Myths of dental-induced prosthetic joint infections.

The overwhelming majority of orthopedists and dentists surveyed recommend antibiotic prophylaxis for dental procedures to prevent late prosthetic joint infection. It is time to stop this practice, which is not based on scientific evidence but rather on "myths" of prosthetic joint infections after dental procedures. The first myth is that there are close similarities between late prosthetic valve endocarditis and late prosthetic joint infection. The second myth is that dental treatment is the probable cause of a large percentage of prosthetic joint infections. The third myth is that results of animal experiments have shown that transient bacteremia due to dental procedures can cause prosthetic joint infections in humans. The fourth myth is that the benefits of antibiotic prophylaxis for patients with prosthetic joints outweigh the risks and costs. The fifth and final myth is that clinicians should recommend antibiotic prophylaxis before dental treatment for patients with prosthetic joints to protect themselves legally.