The use of antibiotics after mandibular third molar surgery-is it useful in preventing post extraction complications ?

Abstract EN

Objective : to determine whether the administration of postoperative antibiotics following extraction of a asymptomatic soft tissue impacted lower wisdom teeth is necessary to reduce the incidence of dry socket, and post-operative morbidity such as pain, swelling and truisms.

Method : this study including 441 patients (208 males, 233 females) who required surgical extraction of lower wisdom teeth.

Patients were divided into three groups; (G1) patients received Metronidazole, (G2) patients received Amoxicillin, and (G3) patients did not receive antibiotics at all.

All patients received the same analgesic regimen.

The incidence of dry socket, swelling, and the intensity of pain was recorded.

The chi-squared test was employed to compare the results in the three treated groups Results : no significant difference was found between the three groups regarding the evaluated parameters in the postoperative squeal, i.e.

pain, swelling and alveolar osteitis (dry socket).

Conclusion : this study showed that prescribing postoperative oral prophylactic antibiotic treatment following the removal of soft tissue impacted lower third molars does not contribute to less pain, less swelling, increased mouth opening or a lower incidence of dry socket, therefore it is not recommended for routine use.