Antibiotics to Prevent Surgical Site Infection (SSI) in Oral Surgery: Survey among Italian Dentists

Abstract

The benefit of an antibiotic prophylaxis for most oral surgical procedures is controversial. The aim of this study was to collect information on the prescribing habits of a sample of Italian dentists with respect to the role of antibiotic prophylaxis in preventing surgical site infections (SSI). An anonymous questionnaire was prepared and made accessible online by sharing a Google Forms link. General anagraphic data and educational background information were collected to obtain a profile of the participants. Different clinical scenarios were then proposed, with the participants asked to choose whether they would prescribe an antibiotic prophylaxis and with which dosage regimens. In total, 169 dentists participated in the questionnaire and the obtained data were assessed through a percentage report. The results showed a substantial agreement in antibiotics prescription, but only in a limited number of clinical scenarios, such as deciduous teeth extraction or simple extractions in healthy adult patients. Discordant responses were found for several clinical cases, particularly for cases of comorbidities, surgical or multiple extractions, implant placement and abscess drainage. The answers obtained from the survey sample were notably heterogeneous, indicating that the choice to prescribe an antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent SSIs is often discretionary. Moreover, the dosage regimen of prophylaxis is also controversial. The results of this study demonstrate the need for specific guidelines on antibiotics in dentistry and, specifically, on antibiotic prophylaxis in oral surgery. Such guidelines would help to avoid unnecessary prescriptions.

Keywords

• antibiotics
• antibiotic prophylaxis
• surgical site infection
• postoperative infection
• oral surgery
• antimicrobial resistance