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Do systemic antibiotics prevent dry socket and infection after third molar extraction? A systematic review and
Eva Ramos1, Joseba Santamaría2, Gorka Santamaría3
1BioCruces Health Research Institute, Cruces University Hospital, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Bizkaia, Spain.
Objectives:
The use of antibiotics to prevent dry socket and infection is a controversial but widespread practice. The aim of the study is to assess the efficacy of systemic antibiotics in reducing the frequencies of these complications after extraction.
Study Design:
A systematic review and meta-analysis, according to the PRISMA statement, based on randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials evaluating systemic antibiotics to prevent dry socket and infection after third molar surgery. Databases were searched up to June 2015. Relative risks (RRs) were calculated with inverse variance-weighted, fixed-effect, or random-effect models.
Results:
We included 22 papers in the qualitative and 21 in the quantitative review (3304 extractions). Overall-RR was 0.43 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.33-0.56; P < .0001); number needed to treat, 14 (95% CI 11-19). Penicillins-RR: 0.40 (95% CI 0.27-0.59). Nitroimidazoles-RR: 0.56 (95% CI 0.38-0.82). No serious adverse events were reported.
Conclusions:
Systemic antibiotics significantly reduce the risk of dry socket and infection in third molar extraction.
