What is it about?

The objective of this research is to respond to that specific question: Are antibiotics needed for the placement of dental implants? A systematic search was done, and the selected studies were pooled from the MEDLINE, PubMed, and Cochrane Library databases up to March 2022. Articles in which the main objective was to evaluate the relationship between antibiotics and dental implants were selected. The first search was done with Medline and the Cochrane Library.

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Why is it important?

Antibiotics may be used in dental implants to prevent or treat infections that may occur after implant surgery. The type and duration of antibiotic therapy depend on the patient’s medical history, the type of implant surgery being performed, and other factors. However, the use of antibiotics in dental implant surgery is debatable, and it is important to note that antibiotics should not be used routinely in dental implant surgery. Overuse of Antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, which can make it harder to treat infections in the future. Thus, antibiotics should only be used when necessary and prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional.

Perspectives

This study offers a thorough examination of the correlation between antibiotics and dental implants, utilizing a collection of 17 papers that encompass clinical trials, reviews, and systematic reviews with meta-analyses. The result underscores the intricate nature of antibiotic utilization in dental implant surgery, emphasizing that although antibiotics may have a function in preventing or treating infections after the surgery, their regular usage is subject to debate. A crucial takeaway is recognizing the significance of personalized decision-making, taking into account aspects such as the patient's medical background and the specific nature of the implant procedure. This approach is in line with the increasing recognition in the medical field regarding the necessity for individualized medicine and customized treatment strategies. The caution against regular antibiotic usage highlights the wider problem of antibiotic resistance. Excessive utilization of antibiotics can lead to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which poses a substantial risk to public health. The research promotes the appropriate and careful use of antibiotics by stressing the importance of using them only when necessary and under the guidance of experienced healthcare experts. When considering a personal viewpoint, it is crucial to emphasize the significance of ongoing research and continual assessment of procedures in dental implant surgery. The area of medicine is always changing, and recommendations may adapt as new data emerges. Promoting a cooperative approach among practitioners, researchers, and politicians can help improve guidelines and achieve the best possible patient results. Furthermore, it would be worthwhile to emphasize the significance of patient education in this particular setting. Providing patients with information regarding the advantages and potential drawbacks of using antibiotics in dental implant surgery enables them to actively engage in the decision-making process, promoting a patient-centered approach to healthcare. To summarize, this research not only combines current evidence but also advocates for a considerate and personalized approach to the use of antibiotics in dental implant surgery. It highlights the significance of maintaining a balance between the possible advantages of antibiotics and the need to reduce the hazards linked to their excessive usage.

Mahmoud Abu-Ta'a
Arab American University

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: A Systematic Review of Antibiotic Use in Dental Implant Therapy: Efficacy, Guidelines, and Recommendations, The Open Dentistry Journal, October 2023, Bentham Science Publishers,
DOI: 10.2174/0118742106266572231011043237.
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