Patient perception about the need for antibiotics after tooth extractions: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Although the current scientific literature does not support the routine use of antibiotics after dental extractions, patients believe that these drugs offer clear benefit during the postoperative period. The main objective of this study was to describe patient perception of the need for antibiotics after routine tooth extraction and to assess knowledge about the benefits and adverse effects of antibiotic therapy. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out. A total of 452 participants requiring tooth extraction and seen in the Dental Clinic of the University of Barcelona (Barcelona, Spain) were given a specific questionnaire on the need for antibiotics after dental treatments or diseases, and on their benefits and adverse effects. Descriptive bivariate and multivariate (logistic regression model) analyses were performed. Results: Of the 452 participants, 185 (40.9%) were men and 267 (59.1%) were women, with a mean age of 35.2 ± 15.9 years. Most of the patients (76.6%) expected to take antibiotics after tooth extraction. A higher level of education, older age and knowledge about bacterial resistances were inversely correlated to the perceived need for antibiotic treatment (p<0.05). According to the respondents, the main advantage of antibiotics was the reduction of infection rates, while the most frequently mentioned adverse events were allergic reactions, diarrhea and nausea or vomiting. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients think that antibiotics are necessary after routine dental extraction to prevent postoperative infection. Younger patients with a low educational level and who are unaware of the problem posed by bacterial resistances seem to be more supportive of antibiotic prophylaxis. Most respondents are familiar with the main benefits and adverse effects of these drugs. Key words:Antibiotic, microbial drug resistance, tooth extraction, oral surgery, survey, postoperative wound infection.