Sammanfattning
Background and aim – Current theories suggest
that antibiotic use in dentistry should be
limited to specific prophylactic regimens, systemic
infections, and severely immunocompromised
patients. This study aims to collect
data to evaluate common uses of antibiotics by
dentists.
Methods – A survey containing 14 questions
was disseminated to dental students, faculty
and dentists in private practices in spring 2015.
The questions focused on practitioners’ use of
antibiotics in prophylactic regimens, surgical
and non-surgical procedures, and treatment
of dental infections. The participants were also
asked about continuing education and familiarity
with American Dental Association (ADA) and
American Heart Association (AHA) recommendations.
Results – 157 surveys were completed with
73% of participants being General Dentists.
22% of participants reported to routinely prescribe
antibiotics for non-surgical treatments,
17% for endodontic therapy. 66% after complicated
extractions, 54% for treatment of dental
abscesses after extraction and 45% prescribed
antibiotics for patients with previous joint replacements.
97% reported familiarity with AHA
and ADA guidelines but only 42% follow them.
Conclusion – The results of this survey show
most dentists would not use antibiotics routinely
for simple and non-surgical procedures
but their adherence to the guidelines for prophylactic
treatments is low.
Diversity of the participants and their professional
background can be considered as a determining
factor.