Aim: Determine whether antibiotic prophylaxis reduces the risk of postoperative infectious complications in removal of impacted lower third molars
Materials and methods: Experimental study. The sample consisted in 94 patients with impacted mandibular third molars who were assigned to two groups, group A with antibiotic prophylaxis and one group B without antibiotics preoperatevely. Evolution was monitored from 7 days after surgery until finally discharged free from any sign of infection. infectious complication was defined as the presence of purulent discharge, abscess (recent or late) or dry socket.
Results: We found a statistically significant difference in reducing the presence of postoperative infection in group A (p = 0.002)
Conclusion: In accordance with our results, antibiotic prophylaxis reduces the risk of postoperative infection in surgery of impacted lower third molars.