L P Longman1, A J Preston, M V Martin, N H Wilson. 1. Restorative Dentistry, Liverpool University Dental Hospital, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5PS, UK. lplong@liv.ac.uk
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to review the published work on the indications and efficacy for antibiotics in endodontic therapy. DATA SOURCES: Published works in the medical and dental literature. STUDY SELECTION: Evaluation of published clinical trials in endodontic and other pertinent literature. CONCLUSIONS: Antibiotics are not routinely indicated in the practice of endodontics. Therapeutic antibiotics may be required as an adjunct to operative treatment when there is pyrexia and/or gross local swelling; they are only rarely indicated in the absence of operative intervention. Prophylactic antibiotics may be required for certain patients who are susceptible to serious infective sequaelae.
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to review the published work on the indications and efficacy for antibiotics in endodontic therapy. DATA SOURCES: Published works in the medical and dental literature. STUDY SELECTION: Evaluation of published clinical trials in endodontic and other pertinent literature. CONCLUSIONS: Antibiotics are not routinely indicated in the practice of endodontics. Therapeutic antibiotics may be required as an adjunct to operative treatment when there is pyrexia and/or gross local swelling; they are only rarely indicated in the absence of operative intervention. Prophylactic antibiotics may be required for certain patients who are susceptible to serious infective sequaelae.