Julia Y Cheng

Effectiveness of Oral Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Reducing Infections After Wisdom Teeth Extractions In an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Private Practice Setting

Started May 30, 2025

Abstract or project description

This is a retrospective cohort study conducted to determine how antibiotic prophylaxis affects postoperative infection after wisdom teeth extraction as it specifically relates to an oral surgery private practice setting. Along with antibiotic prophylaxis we also investigated other variables such as age at the time of surgery, sex, office location, surgeon, smoking status, diabetes, immunocompromised, pre-existing infection, antibiotic prophylaxis, and postop type (in person/remote). Despite the existing clinical studies and general consensus around antibiotic prophylaxis, it is often difficult to apply these conclusions to each specific oral surgery practice. Each practice has its unique patient demographic, patient compliance with postoperative care, surgical facility and equipment, and surgeons expertise and experience. Therefore, the results of this study will help with future decisions regarding the use of antibiotic prophylaxis for wisdom teeth extractions in this specific oral surgery setting. The methods used to analyze the variables are chi square test and binary logistic regression. Through the study we found that there are not many differences in rate of infection between those who did or did not take antibiotic prophylaxis. To our surprise, we also found that as the age of the patient increased, the odds of postoperative infections decreased. Our study suggests that antibiotic prophylaxis should be used in a more targeted approach where antibiotics should only be given to high risk cases. Since younger patients have a higher risk of infection, the practice should place more importance on postoperative care for patients of the young adult age group.