Prophylactic penicillin: effect on posttreatment symptoms following root canal treatment of asymptomatic periapical pathosis

Abstract

It has been reported that administration of prophylactic penicillin may prevent flare-ups or other undesirable posttreatment sequelae following root canal treatment. To test this hypothesis in a prospective study, 80 patients with a diagnosis of pulp necrosis and chronic apical periodontitis were divided into three groups: group A (prophylactic penicillin, AHA recommendation), group B (placebo, same regimen), and group C (no medication). Medications and evaluations were double-blinded. Patients reported their posttreatment events including incidence of flare-ups, incidence and severity of pain/swelling, and occurrence of adverse side effects. Differences in the three groups were determined statistically using chi-square tests. The outcome showed no significant difference (p = 0.68) among the three groups. That is, administration/nonadministration of penicillin prophylactically was unrelated to posttreatment signs and symptoms following canal preparation. Incidence of flare-ups was very low (1 of 80). Occurrence of pain in the mild-moderate levels was fairly high (approximately 70% overall), but was primarily in the mild category. Overall incidence of side effects was also very low (2 of 80). Severe levels of pain/swelling and flare-up incidence were low with no difference between administration or nonadministration of antibiotics. Based on our data, using penicillin (a potentially dangerous drug) prophylactically to control posttreatment symptoms is not recommended in cases of pulp necrosis and asymptomatic periapical pathosis.