Antibiotics play a vital role in dental practice for managing orofacial infections. They are used to manage existing infection and they are also used as prophylaxis for certain medical conditions and surgical procedures. This article will review pharmacological and therapeutic considerations for the proper use of these agents for dental infections.Abstract
Beta lactam structure. Penicillins and cephalosporins contain a beta lactam ring (asterisk) that conveys their antimicrobial action and is the target for microbial resistance.
Managing penicillin-allergic patients. 6
Clavulanic acid. The molecular structure of clavulanic acid resembles that of penicillin enough to compete for beta lactamases that are secreted by resistant microorganisms. This limits the amount of enzyme available to inactivate the penicillin.
Step approach to empiric antibiotic therapy.
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eISSN: 1878-7177
ISSN: 0003-3006