Prophylactic use of antibiotics to prevent flare-up in endodontic treatment

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of giving antibiotics during root canal treatment to reduce pain. Sixty patients with asymptomatic necrotic teeth were included in the study, which was carried out at the Department of Operative Dentistry, Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine, Karachi and was spread over one year. Two groups, A and B, were formed. Thirty patients in group A were given prophylactic antibiotics. Patients in group B formed the study group. Postoperative flare-up pain recorded at 4, 12, 24 and 48 hours was not statistically significant between the two groups. It was concluded that there was no statistical significance of giving prophylactic antibiotics to prevent inter-appointment flare-up. The risk of inappropriate use of antibiotics and widespread antibiotic resistance appear to be far more important than any possible perceived benefits