Utilizzo degli antibiotici: risultati di un sondaggio condotto su un campione di dentisti italiani

Objectives: To evaluate the use of systemically and locally delivered antibiotics for the treatment of periodontal and peri-implant diseases in a sample of Italian dentists, as well as adherence to evidence-based indications and the issue of antibiotic resistance. Materials and Methods: Participants were invited by e-mail to join the survey by answering an online questionnaire without any selection criteria. Results: 1079 dentists joined the survey. The use of systemic antibiotics for periodontal and peri-implant disease was highly frequent. Amoxicillin+clavulanic acid were the most prescribed. The use of local drugs including chlorhexidine was also very frequent. Conclusions: Systemic administration of antibiotics appears as a first choice treatment also when not strictly indicated. Locally delivered antibiotics and antiseptics are also very frequently used in conjunction with different altered clinical conditions. Products which are inadequate for the purpose or inappropriately applied but cheap are often used (chlorhexidine).