Before the operation, it helps to know when you will next see a dentist and what to do if a tooth acts up in between. From Erin or Hillsburgh, plan a pre-surgical review that maps out care before and after.
Most advice about teeth and joint replacement focuses on the weeks before surgery. Fewer people ask what happens next: when your regular cleaning should be booked, whether anything changes at future appointments, and whom to call if a tooth starts hurting while you are still on crutches. A pre-surgical visit is a good moment to settle all of that, alongside checking for active problems now.
The present still comes first. We look for infection, decay or gum disease that should be treated before the operation and answer whatever the orthopaedic team has asked. To do that well we need the surgery type and date, your medicines and allergies, and any symptoms. An infected tooth calls for treatment of its cause, not just a prescription, and an extraction near the surgery date needs careful timing.
For households in Erin, where trips are often grouped, a single visit that covers today’s findings and tomorrow’s plan saves effort. Bring the hospital’s request. We will examine, explain what we find, share relevant details with your surgical team, and agree on a sensible point to return. No dental visit can guarantee an infection-free outcome, and sound older work seldom needs replacing first.
Your surgery date and any symptoms help us plan the visit. If the hospital changes the date, call so planned care and your follow-up can be adjusted.
Problems are easier to handle before surgery than during recovery. Tell us how long it has been there and how severe it is. Once the dentist identifies the cause, the surgical team can consider whether it affects their timeline.
Bring the form and the office’s contact information. Requests range from an exam to records or x-rays. An answer must be based on an assessment, so allow some lead time.
If an extraction or gum treatment is already booked near the operation, share both dates so healing is considered. Decide together with the clinicians whether anything should move.
Should a tooth flare up shortly before surgery, ring us and let the orthopaedic team know. Keeping it to yourself to save the date rarely works out.
The visit can identify any oral problem that needs treatment, explain the options and provide what your surgical team asked for. Equally, it sets out a plan for routine dental care after your new joint. Keep expectations grounded: no examination can control how joint surgery turns out.
Plans vary from person to person. Your findings and health history guide what is recommended now and what can wait. With each suggestion, it is fair to ask whether it addresses current disease or belongs in routine care once you are recovered.
Patient information: College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario — joint replacement advisory
Ask which tooth or gum area any recommendation involves and why. Knowing the diagnosis helps you separate care needed before surgery from work that suits your first post-op visit.
Rather than a fixed rule, agree with both teams when routine dental care should resume, based on your procedure, recovery and the type of dental care involved.
Know what to do if a tooth hurts during rehabilitation: whom to call, what counts as urgent, and how to keep up home care while moving is limited.
We begin with any concerns and the operation ahead. Messages between offices take time, so please contact us before the final days if you can.
We note the joint procedure and date, your medicines, allergies and medical history. Tell us about any joint infection or complication in the past and bring written instructions from the hospital.
The dentist examines teeth, gums, restorations and any sore spots. X-rays may be recommended when they help answer a question. We aim for clear findings rather than treating every small imperfection as urgent.
If something needs care, you will hear the diagnosis, choices, estimated fees and follow-up. We may coordinate timing with the orthopaedic office. Our report sticks to what we assessed.
We agree on a tentative time for your next routine visit, explain home care during recovery, and confirm which details the hospital now has. Update both offices if symptoms or dates change.
Follow the advice each clinician gives. If instructions seem to differ, ask them to clarify before changing medicines or appointments.
Some treatment needs a review before healing can be confirmed. Call if pain, swelling or bleeding gets worse or a site will not settle. One appointment does not always close every healing question.
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss or use interdental brushes. Before surgery, put a stool by the sink and easy-grip tools within reach, or ask someone at home to help.
Do not start leftover antibiotics or stop blood thinners because of dental care, before or after surgery. If a change ever seems necessary, it is a call for the clinicians who prescribe and treat you, made with your full history in front of them.
Ask about timing, recovery or future visits. What applied to someone else’s surgery may not fit your health or your dental needs.
Call our Bronte Street practice with the operation date, any concerns about your teeth or gums, and the surgeon’s request. We will arrange an assessment, treat what needs attention and help you plan care through recovery.
Please phone if surgery is near or a symptom needs quick care. Booking through the website works well for planning ahead, but it can’t promise an urgent slot or finished paperwork.
