An Evaluation of Antibiotic Prescribing Practices Among Dentists in Turkey for the Management of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases

Abstract

Objective: The utilization of antibiotics alongside surgical and nonsurgical mechanical interventions for the management of periodontal and peri-implant diseases lacks standardization. Hence, this study aims to investigate the antibiotic prescribing practices among dentists in Turkey to elucidate the rationale and timing behind systemic antibiotic usage in the treatment of these ailments. Materials and Methods: Between May 2021 and October 2022, 312 dentists across Turkey were invited to participate in a cross-sectional survey. A chi-squared test was used to compare categorical variables according to groups. G-power analysis was used to determine the sample size before the study. Results: The frequency of antibiotic prescriptions during the initial management of periodontitis, peri-implant mucositis, and gingivitis was observed to be lower compared to other procedures. As treatments progressed from nonsurgical to surgical interventions, there was a concurrent rise in the frequency of antibiotic prescriptions. Amoxicillin + clavulanic acid emerged as the most frequently prescribed antibiotic, with the primary reasons for prescription being the mitigation of infection risk and adherence to established literature guidelines. Conclusions: A discernible upward trend in antibiotic prescription is evident as treatment transitions from nonsurgical to more complex surgical modalities. The findings of our survey offer valuable insights for dentists in selecting appropriate antibiotics for the management of periodontal and peri-implant diseases.