Antibiotic therapy in Endodontics: a survey from dental surgeons in Ivory Coast

Abstract

Aim: The objective of this study was to evaluate the antibiotics prescription in endodontics. Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional survey, type KAP (Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices) of 111 dental surgeons in Abidjan (Ivory Coast). Results: 11.70% of practitioners routinely prescribe antibiotics for endodontic treatment; 64.90% prescribes them for Acute Apical Periodontitis, 57.70% for Pulp Necrosis and 52.30% for Abscess. According to the patient general condition, practitioners prescribe antibiotics for general illness (89.20%) or poor hygiene (55%). Βeta-lactam antibiotics are prescribed in 98.20% of cases. For 96.4% of practitioners, antibiotic therapy influences an endodontics success; 19.80% do not know about prescription recommendations; 37.80% have received antibiotics self-medicated patients. Conclusions: In Ivory Coast, the antibiotics prescription in endodontics does not always adhere to international recommendations. The anarchic consumption of these drugs is mostly due to self-medication.