[Antibiotic therapy in dental practice]

Dentists and dental surgeons very frequently prescribe antibiotics to their patients. In a small percentage of cases, that is appropriate; however, patients can often also heal without antibiotic therapy. Microbiological analysis is only carried out in a very limited number of cases, and is complex and time-consuming. A small assortment of oral antibiotics is usually sufficient. Antibiotics are indicated when dental infection is accompanied by fever or indications of infection of a more systemic nature, such as trismus or lymphadenopathy. A patient with cellulitis of the head and neck area, with or without swallowing difficulties, should be treated with antibiotics in any case. In addition, antibiotics have a place in the treatment of periodontitis.