The role of antibiotics in preventing surgical complications in periodontology and implant dentistry.

Antibiotics are commonly prescribed in periodontal and implant surgeries, either before, during or after surgery, to prevent postoperative infection and reduce early implant failure. However, the potential benefits may be undermined by the risks of resistance and sensitization, thus requiring a strict indication for prescription. There are controversial views regarding the indication, dosage, duration, and timing of antibiotic medication in periodontal and implant surgery. Therefore, the aim of this review is to address the benefits and concerns regarding the efficacy of using preventive antibiotic therapy in Periodontology and Implant Dentistry. Specifically, various types of procedures were comprehensively explored, and recommendations were given accordingly. The available evidence indicates that preventive antibiotic therapy is not warranted for periodontal surgeries, including conventional, plastic, and regenerative procedures. While antibiotic prophylaxis has shown effectiveness in preventing early implant failures in straightforward implant placements, postoperative coverage does not appear to be justified. Furthermore, antibiotic administration has not proven to significantly reduce early implant failure rates in implant placements involving simultaneous guided bone regeneration. There remains insufficient evidence to support or oppose the use of preventive antibiotic therapy for reducing infection rates after ridge or sinus augmentation procedures, nor is there evidence favoring any specific protocol over others.