Abstract
Introduction. The aim of our study is to assess the need for postoperative antibiotics following simple exodontia and determine its role in minimizing patient discomfort and postoperative complications. Material and Methods. All the patients undergoing simple extractions were grouped into two categories: Group 1, patients receiving antibiotics, and Group 2, patients receiving no antibiotics. Patients were recalled on the sixth day to assess postoperative complications. On recall, patients were evaluated for signs of persistent inflammation and signs of dry socket. Presence of persistent inflammation and/or suppuration on the 6th day was considered as wound infection. Results. A total of 146 patients were included in this study. Out of the total sample, 134 (91.8%) presented with no postoperative complications and 12 (8.2%) had postoperative complications, out of which 11 (7.5%) patients presented with dry socket (alveolar osteitis), 5 (3.4%) in the antibiotic group and 6 (4.1%) in the nonantibiotic group. Only 1 patient (0.7%) was reported with infection of the extraction socket in the nonantibiotic group, whereas no case of infection was found in the antibiotic group. Conclusion. Antibiotics are not required after simple extractions in patients who are not medically comprised nor do they have any role in preventing postoperative complications.
Highlights
The aim of our study is to assess the need for postoperative antibiotics following simple exodontia and determine its role in minimizing patient discomfort and postoperative complications
Presence of persistent inflammation and/or suppuration on the 6th day was considered as wound infection
Out of the total sample, 134 (91.8%) presented with no postoperative complications and 12 (8.2%) had postoperative complications, out of which 11 (7.5%) patients presented with dry socket, 5 (3.4%) in the antibiotic group and 6 (4.1%) in the nonantibiotic group
Summary
The aim of our study is to assess the need for postoperative antibiotics following simple exodontia and determine its role in minimizing patient discomfort and postoperative complications. The potential for development of devastating infections has made antibiotics one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in dentistry Their use is justified in certain cases such as severe pericoronitis, cellulitis, facial space infections, and osteomyelitis [4], whereas other routine dental situations, such as periapical abscess, mild pericoronitis, dry socket, and restorative dentistry [4], do not usually justify the use of antibiotics. Dental prescriptions may account for as much as 7–9% of total antibacterial prescriptions in primary care in some settings [6] This places a heavy burden of responsibility on dental surgeons to use antibiotics very selectively where indicated and not as a routine prophylaxis
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