The use of antimicrobials in dentistry

The use of antimicrobials in dentistry parallels their use in medical outpatient settings. The emphasis is on patient safety rather than on the agent efficacy. Some antimicrobials should never be used as initial therapy for outpatients in dentistry or medicine. These agents carry an unacceptably high risk of adverse effects and, for use in infections that do not require hospitalization, there are adequate substitutes. Some antimicrobials should only be used infrequently, and there are a few that are recommended for extensive use. Since the initial article was published in The Compendium in 1980, a few significant advances have occurred. This article will cover these advances and will review three groups of antimicrobials, describing salient characteristics, adverse reactions, and prescribing recommendations.