Endodontics in the adult patient: the role of antibiotics

Objectives: The aim of this study was to review the published work on the indications and efficacy for antibiotics in endodontic therapy. Data sources: Published works in the medical and dental literature. Study selection: Evaluation of published clinical trials in endodontic and other pertinent literature. Conclusions: Antibiotics are not routinely indicated in the practice of endodontics. Therapeutic antibiotics may be required as an adjunct to operative treatment when there is pyrexia and/or gross local swelling; they are only rarely indicated in the absence of operative intervention. Prophylactic antibiotics may be required for certain patients who are susceptible to serious infective sequaelae.