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Scripta Scientifica Medicinae Dentalis

Prevention of surgical site infection in oral surgery

Ralitsa Yotsova

Abstract

Infectious complications after oral surgery occur during the first postoperative month (or up to 1 year after dental implant therapy). Various patient-related and surgery-related factors influence the risk of surgical site infections (SSIс). This research aims to discuss and analyze the methods for preventing SSI in oral surgery and evaluate the effectiveness and risks of antibiotic prophylaxis (AP). An electronic search in several databases, including Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar was conducted on 20 February 2025 using the following combination of keywords and MeSH terms: surgical site infection, prevention, oral surgery, antibiotics, antibiotic prophylaxis, and antimicrobial resistance. The review indicated that although AP has proven its effectiveness in reducing the risk of SSI, its use should be avoided in healthy patients, as antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a growing threat to public health worldwide. The benefit-risk ratio for its administration should be carefully evaluated for each patient. Global trends aim to develop strategies and strict drug policies that ensure antibiotic use only in cases with a high risk of severe infection. Asepsis and antisepsis, and the appropriate surgical technique are the most important factors for reducing the risk of SSI.


Keywords

surgical site infection, prevention, oral surgery, antibiotics, antibiotic prophylaxis, antimicrobial resistance

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14748/ssmd.v11i1.10193

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About The Author

Ralitsa Yotsova
Medical University of Varna
Bulgaria

Department of Oral Surgery, Faculty of Dental Medicine

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