Archive for the ‘Health’ Category

from the American Dental Association (ADA)

Antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines exist for two groups of patients: those with heart conditions that may predispose them to infective endocarditis, and patients who have a total joint replacement, who may be at risk for developing hematogenous infections at the site of the prosthetic.

Guidelines for patients who have a total joint replacement were updated by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) in 2009.

The AAOS 2009 Information Statement differs from the 2003 AAOS/ADA Advisory Statement in this important way:

AAOS now states that,“Given the potential adverse outcomes and cost of treating an infected joint replacement, the AAOS recommends that clinicians consider antibiotic prophylaxis for all total joint replacement patients prior to any invasive procedure that may cause bacteremia.”

If you have questions, please contact your orthopedic surgeon.

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Whenever a person moves and wants their dental records transferred, typically only copies* of the most current x-rays are sent. The written record usually is not copied / transferred for a very practical reason, we deal with the conditions you have at present. What this means is that unless when I see you there is some reason for previous records you don’t need to request any transfer of records/x-rays.

Some offices charge for copies of the x-rays; however, I find it is never appropriate to diagnose from a copy (can you imagine trying to diagnose a mammogram from a copy). In this case I’ll be glad to take our usual new low dose digital x-rays, and at no charge if the interval since your previous ones is too soon to be covered by insurance.

* Only copies are transferred, unless an office has digital x-rays and can transmit them, because we are required by law to retain the originals in your record even if you are no longer an active patient.

Influenza-driven activities are starting to accelerate in Virginia. This week surveillance has shown an increase in influenza activity from “Regional Activity” to “Widespread Activity” which means that influenza is present in more than three of Virginia’s five regions. This is the highest level of activity and is unusual for this time of year. Read the rest of this entry »