Our Summary

This research paper looks at how dentists in Sweden use antibiotics when performing dental implant surgeries. The researchers looked at 450 patient records from two major dental care providers. They found that for simple implant surgeries, antibiotics were not used in about 70% of cases. However, for more complicated surgeries, particularly those that involved using synthetic materials, antibiotics were used in 90% of cases. Overall, about half of the patients did not receive antibiotics at all. The complexity of the surgery was a significant factor in determining whether antibiotics were used, while factors such as the patient’s age, whether they had chronic diseases, and whether they used tobacco had less influence. The researchers conclude that while the limited use of antibiotics in Sweden is in line with current goals to reduce antibiotic resistance, there is still a need for clearer guidelines on when to use antibiotics in dental implant surgeries.

FAQs

  1. What percentage of simple dental implant surgeries in Sweden use antibiotics?
  2. What factors influence the use of antibiotics in dental implant surgeries?
  3. Does the use of synthetic materials in dental implant surgeries often require the use of antibiotics?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about dental implant surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of infection. This may include avoiding certain foods or activities, taking prescribed medications as directed, and keeping the surgical site clean. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments with the dentist to monitor healing progress and address any concerns.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended dental implant surgery are those who have missing teeth or teeth that are severely damaged and cannot be saved with other dental treatments such as crowns or bridges. Additionally, patients should have good oral health and sufficient bone density to support the implant. Patients with underlying health conditions such as diabetes or heart disease may still be eligible for dental implant surgery, but they may need to undergo additional evaluations to ensure that their health is stable enough for the procedure. Ultimately, the decision to undergo dental implant surgery should be made in consultation with a dentist or oral surgeon who can assess the patient’s individual needs and determine the best course of treatment.

Timeline

  • Before surgery:
  1. Patient consults with dentist to discuss treatment options and determine if they are a good candidate for dental implants.
  2. Dentist conducts a thorough examination of the patient’s oral health, including X-rays and scans to assess bone density and structure.
  3. Treatment plan is developed, including number of implants needed, type of implant, and any necessary preparatory procedures such as bone grafting or tooth extractions.
  4. Patient receives instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including any pre-operative medications or dietary restrictions.
  • Day of surgery:
  1. Patient arrives at the dental office and is prepped for the procedure, which may involve local anesthesia or sedation.
  2. Dentist performs the implant surgery, which involves placing the implant into the jawbone and suturing the gum tissue.
  3. Patient is given post-operative instructions, including how to care for the surgical site and manage any discomfort.
  4. Patient may be prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection, depending on the complexity of the surgery and their individual risk factors.
  • After surgery:
  1. Patient experiences some swelling, discomfort, and bruising in the days following surgery, which can be managed with pain medication and ice packs.
  2. Patient follows a soft diet and avoids certain activities to allow the implant site to heal properly.
  3. Patient attends follow-up appointments with the dentist to monitor healing progress and remove sutures.
  4. Over the next few months, the implant fuses with the surrounding bone in a process called osseointegration.
  5. Once the implant has fully healed, the patient receives a permanent restoration (such as a crown or bridge) to complete the implant procedure.

Overall, the timeline for dental implant surgery can vary depending on the individual patient’s needs and the complexity of the procedure. With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can provide a long-lasting and natural-looking solution for missing teeth.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with dental implant surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery period after dental implant surgery?
  3. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  4. How many implants do I need and where will they be placed?
  5. What is the success rate of dental implant surgery?
  6. What is the expected lifespan of dental implants?
  7. Will I need to follow any special diet or oral care routine after the surgery?
  8. What are the alternatives to dental implant surgery?
  9. How much will the surgery cost and will my insurance cover it?
  10. How often will I need to come in for follow-up appointments after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Momand P, Naimi-Akbar A, Hämén von Essen N, Götrick B. Journal: BMC Oral Health. 2025 Jul 25;25(1):1238. doi: 10.1186/s12903-025-06579-x. PMID: 40713643