Abstract
BackgroundAlthough the current scientific literature does not support the routine use of antibiotics after dental extractions, patients believe that these drugs offer clear benefit during the postoperative period. The main objective of this study was to describe patient perception of the need for antibiotics after routine tooth extraction and to assess knowledge about the benefits and adverse effects of antibiotic therapy. Material and MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out. A total of 452 participants requiring tooth extraction and seen in the Dental Clinic of the University of Barcelona (Barcelona, Spain) were given a specific questionnaire on the need for antibiotics after dental treatments or diseases, and on their benefits and adverse effects. Descriptive bivariate and multivariate (logistic regression model) analyses were performed. ResultsOf the 452 participants, 185 (40.9%) were men and 267 (59.1%) were women, with a mean age of 35.2 ± 15.9 years. Most of the patients (76.6%) expected to take antibiotics after tooth extraction. A higher level of education, older age and knowledge about bacterial resistances were inversely correlated to the perceived need for antibiotic treatment (p<0.05). According to the respondents, the main advantage of antibiotics was the reduction of infection rates, while the most frequently mentioned adverse events were allergic reactions, diarrhea and nausea or vomiting. ConclusionsMost patients think that antibiotics are necessary after routine dental extraction to prevent postoperative infection. Younger patients with a low educational level and who are unaware of the problem posed by bacterial resistances seem to be more supportive of antibiotic prophylaxis. Most respondents are familiar with the main benefits and adverse effects of these drugs. Key words:Antibiotic, microbial drug resistance, tooth extraction, oral surgery, survey, postoperative wound infection.
Highlights
Many professionals routinely prescribe antibiotics after elective surgical procedures [1]
In view of the above, and given that many patients might believe that antibiotics are needed to prevent complications after simple dental procedures, a survey on patient knowledge about antibiotic use after dental extraction could be useful for establishing educational strategies focusing on the correct use of such drugs
The multivariate analysis showed that older patients with a higher educational level, and with some knowledge about bacterial resistances, made a more conservative judgment regarding the need for antibiotic treatment
Summary
Many professionals routinely prescribe antibiotics after elective surgical procedures [1]. Younger patients, higher education levels, toxic habits, the absence of chronic diseases and overall good health were some of the factors associated to antibiotic use without a proper professional recommendation. Another survey in Portugal (region of Algarve) [22] found younger male patients to be more prone to self-medication. Insufficient knowledge about the indications of antibiotic treatment has been related to self-medication [7] In this line, some studies have underscored the need to implement education strategies targeted towards the general public in order to increase awareness about correct antibiotic use. Most respondents are familiar with the main benefits and adverse effects of these drugs
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
