Prophylactic use of antibiotics in oral and maxillofacial surgery–a review of current concepts

Antibiotic prophylaxis in oral and maxillofacial surgery aims the prevention of the infection of the surgical wound, either due to the characteristics of the surgery or the general state of the patient. This risk increases with the contamination of the surgical operation area, making it necessary to imply a prophylactic treatment of the infection in clean-contaminated and contaminated surgeries and treatment of the infection in dirty surgeries. Moreover, a proper surgical technique helps to reduce the development of the postsurgical infection. The most important decision for the dental practitioner to make is not only which antibiotic to use but whether to use one at all. This article will discuss important factors to be kept in mind while prescribing antibiotics in dentistry.