Assessing behaviours in antimicrobial prescribing and implants in the UK: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Dental Implantology
• Evidence-Based Dentistry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Growing popularity of implant dentistry necessitates evidence-based prescribing guidelines.
• Antibiotic use in implantology is controversial due to infection fears and potential litigation.
• Need for safe prescribing habits in dental implant procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess current antibiotic prescribing behaviors among UK dentists performing implant procedures.
• To identify variations in prescribing practices for straightforward versus complex implant cases.

Main Methods:

• Pilot study utilizing an 11-item questionnaire.
• Survey distributed electronically to UK-based dentists via study clubs and social media.
• Assessed prescribing patterns for antibiotics and analgesics in implant dentistry.

Main Results:

• High rates of antibiotic prescription: 89% pre-operative, 85% post-operative (amoxicillin primary choice).
• Variable treatment durations (1-7+ days).
• Common analgesic use (ibuprofen, paracetamol); dexamethasone use by 7%.

Conclusions:

• Significant lack of national antibiotic prescription guidelines in UK implant dentistry.
• Inconsistency observed in current prescribing practices.
• Need for large-scale, multi-center studies to establish evidence-based guidelines.