Antibiotic prophylaxis and therapy in oral surgery: a review

Antibiotics are used for prophylactic and therapeutic purposes. Since bacterial resistances constantly change the existing conditions, the patient's therapy needs to be monitored periodically and adjusted to the changed conditions. Clinicians should be very careful about prescribing antibiotics for prophylactic purposes. But with regard to risk patients--especially when there is a risk of endocarditis--antibiotic prophylaxis is essential. Antibiotic therapy is absolutely necessary as a supporting treatment for primary surgery if the patient has acute osteomyelitis, transmitted abscesses, or multiple space abscesses. It might also become necessary to refer the patient to an appropriately equipped center or clinic.