Antibiotics in the treatment of acute periradicular abscesses

Abstract

The acute periradicular abscess can result in systemic complications, being necessary a complementary antibiotic therapy to clinical treatment. However, antibiotics are often prescribed by dentists to treat these infections, but its use is questionable in some situations. Misuse of antibiotics can lead to the emergence of resistant micro-organisms. The aim of this present literature review is to describe the antibiotic treatment in acute periradicular abscesses by addressing its indications and drug use, and discuss about bacterial resistance to some antibiotics.