Dental Infections
Includes;
- Periapical abscess
- Dental infection with fascial space infection
Antimicrobials are only recommended as an adjunct to definitive treatment where there is an elevated temperature, evidence of systemic spread and local lymph node involvement.
Treat for up to 5 days (usually 3 days).
Review antibiotics daily and discontinue once afebrile with resolution of swelling
Preferred
amoxicillin 500mg po tds (iv if NBM)
For severe cases: ADD metronidazole 400mg po tds (or 500mg iv tds if NBM)
Alternative
For penicillin allergy (non-severe and severe) or if pre-treated with a penicillin
doxycycline 100mg po bd OR clarithromycin 500mg po bd (iv if NBM)
If pregnant: erythromycin 500mg po qds
For severe cases: ADD metronidazole 400mg po tds (or 500mg iv tds if NBM)
Additional Information
See Faculty of Dental Surgery Antimicrobial Prescribing in Dentistry Good Practice Guidelines