Due to Covid-19, most oral health providers globally are mandated to perform emergency treatments only. It has been recommended that if odontogenic symptoms can be managed with prescriptions, it should be done so, in an effort to increase social distancing. Many of us have prescribed antibiotics, waiting for a safe time to return to the office and perform the necessary treatments for our patients. Therefore, it’s important to keep in mind the timing protocols for antibiotic prescriptions, and when in the antibiotic course we can expect to maximize benefits and reduce potential harm.
A systematic review of 16 articles involving 2,197 dental infections was analyzed.
For example, comparing amoxicillin prescriptions given for 3 and 7 days, showed no significant difference in outcomes of dental infection between the two durations. Therefore, it is recommended that the course of antibiotics given should be as minimal as possible in order to decrease harmful side effects and potential antibiotics resistance.
In another study observing 759 patients with dental infections, it was seen that 98.6% showed infection resolution in 2 or 3 days following administration of antibiotics. Within that study, it is suggested that the maximal effects of antibiotics administrations can be seen within 2 to 3 days, at which time local intervention can be initiated, after which “prolonged use of antibiotics only serves the purpose of selecting resistant bacterial species.”
As we bunker down in our new normal, it is crucial that we don’t alienate our patients. Managing dental infections with prescriptions is an option; yet scheduling the next step of the treatment needed is paramount.