Are Antibiotics Needed for an Implant?

Jane asks:
Do I need to take antibiotics after I get an implant? If so, why? Thanks.

Answered by: Dr. Cheryl Goren Robins

Millburn, NJ

Hi Jane,

While the widespread use of antibiotics has created a situation where antibiotic resistance is becoming a problem, there are still many good reasons to use them. When it comes to antibiotics and dental implants, the story is not totally clear.

There have been a few older studies that show that the benefit of using antibiotics to prevent post-surgical infections for dental implants occurs when they are started BEFORE the procedure. Other studies do not show any benefit.

If you already have an infection in the mouth in an area where you are getting an implant immediately after the tooth is removed, that would be an indication to use the antibiotic.

For my own patients, I use a regimen of giving the patient a high dose of an antibiotic 1 hour prior to the procedure (The same dose as is used for patients who premedicate for other medical issues). If no grafting is performed and the surgery had no complications, then I do not continue the antibiotics afterwards. If there is an infection or if I need to perform extensive grafting, then I may have the patient continue afterwards. Each patient’s situation is judged independently based upon the perceived risk of developing an infection.