"Dental procedures are believed to possibly allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream and attach themselves to hip or knee implants, potentially causing PJI in a patient," said Yale Fillingham, MD, FAAOS, co-chair of the AAOS guideline development group. "PJI is one of the most devastating complications for patients following TJA, and we must do everything possible that is supported by evidence to prevent these infections. Given the large number of annual TJA procedures and that most of these patients undergo a dental cleaning at least twice a year, this CPG is relevant to nearly every TJA patient."