Prophylaxis of High Risk Dental Surgical Procedures

NB:  For high risk groups (patients at risk of bacterial endocarditis and immunocompromised patients), see Endocarditis Prophylaxis or Immunocompromised Patients respectively, for prophylaxis recommendations.

- The following recommendations for prophylaxis are for patients not belonging to high risk groups.

- Antibiotic prophylaxis should always be given pre-operatively.

- Post-operative doses are generally not recommended as evidence of their efficacy is lacking, the number to treat for any benefit is too high given potential harmful effects of antibiotic exposure, including C. difficile,  altered bacterial diversity, and potential for selection of resistant bacteria.

- Established infections require treatment NOT prophylaxis.  Refer to Recommended Empiric Therapy of Selected Dental Infections.