Antibiotic prescription among Yazd dental practitioners in the year of 2004

Dr. M. Tabrizizadeh* - Dr. T. Alidjani**

* - Assistant Professor of Endodontics Dept. - Faculty of Dentistry - Yazd University of Medical Sciences.

**- Dentist.

Background and Aim: Improper use of antibiotics may result in various economical and hygi-enic complications. The aim of the present study was to investigate antibiotic prescription by dental practitioners in Yazd.

Materials and Methods: In order to conduct this descriptive cross-sectional study, a question-naire concerning types and cases of antibiotic therapy was distributed among 73 dentists in Yazd.

Results: According to the findings 60.6% of dentists prescribed penicilline V as their primary selected drug for endodontic infections. In allergic cases to penicilline, erythromycin was ad-ministered in 70.49% of cases. Loading dose was used by 45.46% of dentists and the duration of antibiotic therapy was estimated one week in 80% of cases. Dentists prescribed antibiotics in cases of irreversible pulpitis (13.8%), necrotic pulps without pain and swelling (21.53%) and sinus tract (47.69%).

Conclusion: Higher training level of dentists, for more proper and logical administration of antibiotics during endodontic treatment is recommended.

Key words: Antibiotic – Prescription – Dental practitioners.