Dr. Juhi Puri, Dr. Shaheena Shaikh, Nehal Ambavat, Shrutika Kadam and Manasi Ghogare

Antibiotics in Oral Surgery: Yes or No?
Int.J.Adv.Microbiol.Health.Res.2019; 3(1):16-20

Publisher: IJAMHR, Category: Current Issues

Abstract

An antibiotic is always used as an adjuvant to surgery. Sterile and atraumatic operated methods, sterile and clean instrumentation and good surgical judgement forms the basis of any surgical procedure and cannot be altered by any kind of drug use at all. We have tried to justify the use of antibiotics in Oral and Maxillofacial surgery by analyzing data and studies from multiple authors. Signs of local infection at operation site make it mandatory to use antibiotics. However, these are rather therapeutic drug usage rather than prophylactic drug usage. Risk of 1 to 6 % extending up to 45% has been found by various authors in third molar surgeries. Several risk factors put the patient at a higher risk than others when considering whether or not prophylactic antibiotics must be used. Bacteria commonly found in the oral cavity and cervicofacial skin area are Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, enteric and anaerobic bacteria. In dental practice usually the drugs administered are orally given and post operatively in most cases. However, it has been stated that the best route or treatment modality for antibiotic prophylaxis is via the intravenous route, which is not possible in each and every case. Also, according to the principles of Peterson, the antibiotic coverage should be given before surgery prophylactically instead of post operatively.