To Prescribe or Not To: Systemic Antibiotics in Treatment of Periodontal Infections

Periodontitis is a chronic infection induced by a mlange of microfloral aetiology. The first line of treatment by and large includes non-surgical mechanical debridement and regular periodontal maintenance care. In some cases surgical intervention may be indicated to improve access to the root surface for meticulous debridement. An array of systemic antibiotics available as adjuncts for treatment of periodontitis has been recorded. While some studies claim superior clinical outcomes following inclusion of these, others do not. A controversy was born as to question the role of systemic antibiotics in the treatment of periodontal diseases. Recent orderly reviews have bestowed an evidence-based assessment of the possible perks of adjunctive antibiotics in periodontal therapy. This review aims to provide an update on clinical issues of when and how to prescribe systemic antibiotics in periodontal therapy.