Effect of Antibiotic Prophylaxis on Early Loss of Implants Installed by Unexperienced Operators

Abstract

Background: The routine use of antibiotics for dental implant installation is widely applied in dental practice to prevent postoperative infection and implant loss. However, the effectiveness and necessity of such protocols have not been consensual in the literature. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of antibiotic prophylaxis on the survival of dental implants placed in clinically healthy patients by unexperienced operators. Methods: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted. Ninety patients that received between 2-4 dental implants by unexperienced operators was enrolled in this study. The patients were randomly allocated in two groups: Antibiotic group (n=47): The patients received 1 g of preoperative amoxicillin; and a placebo group (n=43): The patients received preoperative placebo administration. Each patient was evaluated preoperatively, 2 days, and 7 days postoperatively. It was evaluated the mouth opening amplitude, assessment of referred pain through a visual analogical scale, and characteristic signs of infection (presence of fistula, ulceration in the surgical wound, tissue necrosis at the edges of the wound, dehiscence of the surgical flap, and presence of purulent exudate in the surgical wound). The implants survival was evaluated until 90 days after the surgical procedure. Results: The results showed that there were no statistically significant differences in postoperative healing, swelling, and pain. However, there were more loss of dental implants in placebo group (14.9% vs. 2.3%). Conclusion: The use of antibiotic prophylaxis reduced the implants loss that was previously placed by unexperienced operators.