The Big PictureAntibiotic uses in endodontic infections
Section snippets
Background
Antibiotic resistance occurs when a microorganism tolerates the actions of an antibiotic that was initially effective for the treatment of infections caused by that microorganism. Some bacteria are becoming resistant to the antibiotics now used. Because dentists prescribe about 10% of the antibiotics used worldwide, their impact on antibiotic resistance can be considerable. Recent evidence indicates that 40% of general dental practitioners prescribe antibiotics 3 times a week and 15% prescribe
Method
A search was conducted of the databases of MEDLINE/PubMed, Wiley Online Database, Web of Science, and Scopus, looking for studies in which dental professionals used systemic antibiotics to treat endodontic lesions and where the type of antibiotic used and diagnosis of the endodontic disease were detailed. Twenty-five studies were analyzed.
Results
For all of the countries surveyed, dental professionals tended to overprescribe antibiotics or prescribe them inappropriately. The specific indications varied between the studies, but many conditions that did not require antibiotics were treated with these agents.
Endodontists in the United States selected the most suitable antibiotic for the treatment of the infection but were still prescribing them when they were not needed. Pediatric dentists tended to overprescribe antibiotics for
Discussion
Dentists are overprescribing antibiotics for the management of endodontic infections. Although some conditions, such as localized swelling in a systemically healthy patient, are not indications for antibiotics, high percentages of dentists prescribe antibiotics for patients with this symptom. The prescribing habits for antibiotics must be improved worldwide to influence the development of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. In addition, dental professionals often require education to encourage
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Segura-Egea JJ, Martín-González J, Jiménez-Sánchez MC, et al: Worldwide pattern of antibiotic prescription in endodontic infections. Int Dent J 67:197-205, 2017
Reprints available from JJ Segura-Egea, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de Sevilla, 41009 Sevilla, Spain; e-mail: [email protected]