A Systematic Review of Antibiotic Use in Dental Implant Therapy: Efficacy, Guidelines, and Recommendations

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this research is to respond to that specific question: Are antibiotics needed for the placement of dental implants? Methods: A systematic search was done, and the selected studies were pooled from 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 Cochrane Library. Results: A total of 17 articles were finally included in the present review. Four clinical trials (CTs), two reviews, and eleven systematic reviews (SR); six of them with meta-analysis. Conclusion: 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.