Do I need antibiotics for dental implant?

Do I need antibiotics for dental implant?

Antibiotics for dental implant

For those who have missing teeth, one means of addressing this concern is through dental implantation. This is a sophisticated dental procedure that gives a more permanent solution to missing teeth, as compared to dental bridges. However, there may be an instance that bacteria are introduced into the body during the process. This can result to infections or even implant failure.  An infection that occurs around dental implants can be rather challenging to treat. There may be a necessity to remove the implants infected with bacteria.  With this in mind, prevention of infection is essential to achieve a successful dental procedure.

antibiotics for dental implant


Some dentists require their patients to take anitbiotics before placement, which is also referred to as antibiotic prophylaxis. This is believed to minimize the risks of infections among individuals during dental implantation. Based on the guidelines set by the American Heart Association in 2008, those who are most in need of antibiotic prophylaxis are people with a history of infective endocarditis, artificial heart valves, congenitcal heart ailments, and heart transplant. It is also worth noting that the guidelines have been designed for individuals with orthopedic implants.
In Europe there are well prepared professionals in this topic, for example if you take dental implants in Hungary, almost every doctor can guide you.

In previous years, antibiotics were prescribed to patients during the initial two years of undergoing artificial joint placement. However, updates have been made by the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons and American Dental Association. These guidelines were updated in 2012, and the use of antibiotics is on a case-to-case basis.

Antibiotics for dental implant

Primarily, the use of antibiotics in dental surgery is intended to prevent infections. This is advisable to people who are at risk of serious health concerns after an extensive surgical procedure. Moreover, antibiotics are advised to be taken on a short-term basis since these medications can lead to adverse effects that range from abdominal pains, diarrhea and allergic reactions with life-threatening impacts to an individual. There is also a great concern with the increase in number of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that can lead to further health issues.

Various scientific evidences prove the benefits of antibiotics in minimizing dental implant failure. Some patients are recommended to take 2 to 3 grams of amoxicillin orally, at least an hour before placement of dental implants. While there were no significant effects reported, there is still further studies that need to be done to determine which antibiotic is the most effective and if post-operative antibiotics are helpful at all.

Bottom Line

Antibiotics for dental implants must be prescribed only after careful assessment of the patient’s condition. Keep in mind that a mere infection in the tooth does not always call for antibiotics as treatment since there are common problems only mistaken as infections. Most importantly, not all infections are addressed and resolved by the use of antibiotics alone.

For instance, antibiotics are required for invasive procedures involving the adding or cutting through the bone graft material. This can result to an insufficient amount of new blood vessels penetrating into your immune system, and this can compromise your body’s resistance to infections. Among the procedures linked with this concern include bone graft, apioectomy, dental implants and surgical extraction. However, the need for antibiotics is not usually recommended, unless after judicious analysis of the patient’s existing condition.

If you are interested in getting dental implants or other dental treatment, just contact us here: CONTACT

The consultation is Free in every cases! 

No Comments

Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.

WhatClinic Patient Service Award WhatClinic Patient Service Award WhatClinic Patient Service Award
Open chat
💬 Need help?
Hello 👋
Let us know if you need any help. We're here to inform you about any questions ASAP!