The utilization of prophylactic antibiotics as part of the third molar extraction procedure

Shahaf Givony1

1 Lithuanian University of Health Sciences. Academy of Medicine. Faculty of Odontology.

ABSTRACT

The extraction of the wisdom teeth may be a complicated surgical procedure due to the dependency on multiple factors such as the current state of the tooth, the state of the other teeth in the mouth and the state of the patient. The early extraction will be suggested in case of an impaction of a tooth, delayed and/or ectopic eruption of the tooth or adjacent teeth and threatening pathological cases. The possibility for post-surgical complications such as alveolar osteitis, pain, mandibular fracture, broken teeth, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation, bleeding, injury to nerves, trismus, infection, cellulitis, abscesses and even to hospitalization are not high but may still occur during or after the extraction.

In dentistry, antibiotics may be used to reduce the rate of some of those complications. The prophylactic usage of antibiotics in those cases is often administrated as part of the medical control which is provided alongside the extraction procedure. The usage of prophylactic antibiotics should be recommended for patients who are required to undergo broad and invasive dental procedures which may put them at risk and jeopardize their health. Unfortunately, the usage of antibiotics is quite often improper and may lead to adverse reactions from the medication itself such as the development of antibiotic resistance, gastrointestinal disorders and anaphylactic shock.  The scientific literature contains an enormous amount of studies regarding the utilization of antibiotics and their adverse reactions. However, there is an inconsistency and a lack of consensus about the required type, dosage, way of administration and correct time of administration.

Keywords: third molar extraction, Prophylactic antibiotic, Prophylactic management, Oral surgery, Penicillin.