Knowledge and Pattern of Antibiotic and Non Narcotic Analgesic Prescription for Pulpal and Periapical Pathologies- A Survey among Dentists

The objective was to assess the knowledge and pattern of antibiotic and non narcotic analgesic prescription for pulpal and periapical pathologies among dentists, registered with IDA, in and around Hyderabad. Cross-sectional survey was conducted from January 2014 to February 2014 in and around Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. A questionnaire for this cross-sectional survey was designed for evaluating the knowledge and patterns of antibiotic and non narcotic analgesic prescription for pulpal and periapical pathologies. It included some demographic information, questions regarding clinical and non clinical factors, type of antibiotics and non narcotics analgesics prescribed were recorded. Data was computed and analysed using SPSS software. Descriptive statistics was performed. The response rate for the study was 85%, 51.4% being males and 53.9% were pursuing post graduation. Of the respondents, 44.3% would prescribe medication with elevated body temperatures and evidence of systemic involvement, while 42.8% would prescribe medication for non clinical factors such as unsure of diagnosis. Necrotic pulp with acute apical periodontitis with swelling present and mod/severe preoperative symptoms was the most common condition identified for antibiotic therapy (56.4%). The first antibiotic of choice in patients with no medical allergies is amoxicillin, followed by amoxicillin and metronidazole. The first antibiotic of choice in case of allergic to penicillin was erythromycin. 55.1% and 37.3% would not prescribe antibiotic and analgesic after Root canal treatment respectively. The most commonly prescribed NSAID is Diclofenac (51.1%). Factors influencing the choice of analgesics among respondents is severity of pain (61.4%). 31.7% remained informed of current prophylactic practices through pharmaceutical companies followed by university training sessions and scientific societies (30.7%). The results of the present survey have demonstrated a lack of uniformity among the dental practitioners. All the clinicians should make themselves aware of the current guidelines available, to ensure highest degree of patient care.