According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, 500 000 dental implants are placed each year by generalist and specialist dentists.1 National antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines for dental implant surgeries do not exist. A survey of generalist and specialist dentist members of The National Dental Practice-Based Research Network identified that antibiotic prophylaxis decision-making is most influenced by official guidelines or advice from a physician or medical specialist.2 This editorial provides insights from an infectious disease pharmacist and physician, and specialist dentists on antibiotic prophylaxis for dental implant surgery.
Together, we conducted the first US study evaluating antibiotic use among private practice dentists.3 In our study and subsequently in ongoing outreach education to over 3000 private practice dentists, many different prophylactic and post-procedure antibiotic regimens are used in dental implant surgery. Observations include the following regimens:
If patients are allergic to penicillin, 85% of dentists use clindamycin that is...
