Antibiotics are commonly prescribed by dentists to treat oral infections including dental abscesses as well as infections of the gums and root canal cavities. In addition, antibiotics may be prophylactically prescribed in dental surgeries such as implant, tooth extraction, and denervation. The following article aims to introduce some antibiotics prescribed in dentistry.
Penicillins in dentistry
Oral penicillin has been mentioned in textbooks as the first choice for normal patients. But since amoxicillin – a penicillin analogue – is better absorbed and more durable, dentists are more likely to prescribe it for their patients. Co-amoxiclav is a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid and a good option for treating patients with weak immune system.
Penicillin injection is usually not recommended due to its possible dangers. Many people have died from severe hypersensitivity to penicillin over the past few decades. Since penicillin can be substituted with efficient drugs, its injection is recommended only in special cases and by the treating dentist.
Indications of antibiotics in dentistry
Antibiotics are widely used in dentistry, some of their important indications are described below.
- Different oral infections resulting in swollen gums and pus accumulation.
- Gingivitis and periodontal infections.
- After infection and dental abscess removal surgeries.
- Teismus
- Purulent discharge from the gums or teeth.
- Prevention of infection before or after surgery.
- Control of pericoronitis infection.
- External swelling of the teeth that are often accompanied by fever.
Antibiotics prescribed in dentistry
Different types of antibiotics may be used in dentistry depending on the patient’s needs. The most important and common types of antibiotics are as follows.
Penicillins
Penicillins are the most common types of antibiotics and are effective in treating most oral problems. Penicillin G is widely used in soft tissue infections of the mouth. Other types of penicillins are the most common types of antibiotics used to treat most oral problems. There are different types of penicillins, for example penicillin G is often used to treat oral soft tissue infections. Other types of penicillins, such as procaine penicillin and penicillin benzathine, are also used for extensive oral infections following oral, dental, and jaw fracture surgeries. Oral penicillin is another type of penicillins used to treat oral and periodontal infections and prevent infections before or after oral and maxillofacial surgeries.
Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin is widely used for treatment of dental infections such as pericoronitis, trismus, abscesses, and chronic periodontal infections.
Cephalosporins
Cephalosporins have different types and indications. For example, cephalothin is used for prevention of postoperative infections and cephradine and cephalexin are very effective for bone, tooth, and jaw infections.
Prescribing antibiotics in dentistry FAQ
1-What are the contraindications of antibiotics in dentistry?
Antibiotics may be associated with side effects in some patients, so prescription of antibiotics for patients with a history of drug allergies is forbidden.
2-What is the best type of antibiotic in dentistry?
Antibiotics are prescribed by the dentist according to oral problems after clinical examination of the patient, as a result, it is impossible to mention the best type of antibiotic in dentistry.
3-Are antibiotics associated with side effects in dentistry?
Like any other medicine, antibiotics can be associated with certain side effects, but they should be used in case of infection. In this case, the benefits of antibiotics outweigh the harms. Therefore, do not take any unprescribed antibiotics without.
4-When should I visit a dentist for antibiotics?
Visit your dentist when you feel any pain, bleeding, swelling, infection, and inflammation in your teeth and gums, or you have bad breath.