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Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Tooth Extractions and Dental Implants, A Narrative Review

  • Antimicrobial Development and Drug Resistance (KC Claeys and J Smith, Section Editors)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of the review

The aim of this review was to summarize recent evidence regarding recommendations for antibiotic prophylaxis in healthy patients undergoing dental extractions or implant procedures to prevent post extraction surgical site infection or implant failure.

Recent findings

Most studies identified in this review show little to no benefit of antibiotic prophylaxis in preventing surgical site infection following dental extractions including simple and surgical extractions on all teeth including third molars. The benefit of antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent implant failure may outweigh the risks associated with antibiotic use in straightforward implant procedures. However, antibiotic prophylaxis may be required in cases that are complex implant procedures requiring bone augmentation.

Summary

Available evidence suggests prophylactic antibiotics are not necessary for extractions and for straightforward implant placement. However, evidence suggests that prophylactic antibiotics may be necessary for complex implant procedures when bone augmentation is needed, and clinicians are recommended to review the risks and benefits of antibiotic use in these cases prior to use. National clinical practice guidelines are needed to support evidenced based decision making for oral health clinicians in providing the safest dental care for their patients.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 3609 Forbes Ave, 2nd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA

    Tumader Khouja & Katie J. Suda

  2. Kansas City University College of Dental Medicine, Joplin, MO, USA

    Erinne Kennedy

  3. Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Katie J. Suda

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  1. Tumader Khouja
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Correspondence to Katie J. Suda.

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Appendix

Appendix

Tables 4 and 5

Table 4 Summary of Meta-analyses for antibiotic (abx) prophylaxis for dental implants
Full size table
Table 5 Summary of RCT’s for antibiotic (abx) prophylaxis for dental implants
Full size table

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Khouja, T., Kennedy, E. & Suda, K.J. Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Tooth Extractions and Dental Implants, A Narrative Review. Curr Infect Dis Rep 25, 87–99 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11908-023-00802-y

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