Life After Total Joint Surgery

• What will I be able to do after my joint replacement?The success of your joint replacement will strongly depend on how well you follow your physical therapist’s instructions as well as Dr. O’Neill’s suggestions. As time passes, you will experience a dramatic reduction in joint pain and a significant improvement in your ability to participate in daily activities. Remember, however, that joint replacement surgery will not allow you to do more than you could before you developed your joint pain!
• What activities should I avoid?The only activities that Dr. O’Neill would like you to avoid is long distance running, frequent jumping, or kneeling on a hard surface.
• Do I need to take an antibiotic before dental appointments?After total joint surgery it is best to wait 3 months before having any dental cleaning done. Once you do go back to the dentist after surgery you will need to take an antibiotic. You should take this prior to any dental cleaning for the rest of your life. The antibiotic is to prevent the bacteria from your mouth getting into your blood and causing an infection in your joint. You can request this antibiotic through our office.