Antibiotic Use in Implant Dentistry: A Clinical Evaluation of Prophylactic Regimens in Dental Implant Placement

Abstract

Introduction: Dental implant therapy has become a predictable treatment modality for replacement of missing teeth. However, implant failure may occur due to bacterial contamination during surgery or early healing. The use of prophylactic antibiotics in implant dentistry remains controversial, with varying protocols among clinicians.

Objectives : To evaluate the role of prophylactic antibiotics in preventing postoperative infection and early implant failure in dental implant surgery.

Materials and Methods: A prospective clinical study was conducted on 60 patients requiring dental implant placement. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. Group A received a single preoperative dose of amoxicillin 2 g one hour before surgery, while Group B received both preoperative and postoperative antibiotic therapy (amoxicillin 500 mg three times daily for 5 days). All implants were placed under strict aseptic conditions. Patients were evaluated for postoperative infection, pain, swelling, and implant stability during follow-up at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months.

Results: Postoperative infection occurred in 3.3% of cases in Group A and 3.3% in Group B. Implant survival rate at 3 months was 96.7% in both groups. There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative complications between the two groups (p>0.05).

Conclusion: A single preoperative dose of antibiotics appears sufficient for routine implant placement in healthy patients. Routine postoperative antibiotic administration may not significantly improve implant survival and should be used judiciously to prevent antimicrobial resistance.