title: Do systemic antibiotics prevent dry socket and infection after third molar extraction? A systematic review and meta-analysis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The use of antibiotics to prevent dry socket and infection is a controversial but widespread practice. The aim of the study is to assess the efficacy of systemic antibiotics in reducing the frequencies of these complications after extraction.
  
  
  METHODS
  A systematic review and meta-analysis, according to the PRISMA statement, based on randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials evaluating systemic antibiotics to prevent dry socket and infection after third molar surgery. Databases were searched up to June 2015. Relative risks (RRs) were calculated with inverse variance-weighted, fixed-effect, or random-effect models.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We included 22 papers in the qualitative and 21 in the quantitative review (3304 extractions). Overall-RR was 0.43 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.33-0.56; P < .0001); number needed to treat, 14 (95% CI 11-19). Penicillins-RR: 0.40 (95% CI 0.27-0.59). Nitroimidazoles-RR: 0.56 (95% CI 0.38-0.82). No serious adverse events were reported.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Systemic antibiotics significantly reduce the risk of dry socket and infection in third molar extraction.
authors: BioCruces Health Research Institute, Cruces University Hospital, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Bizkaia, Spain.
authors: Eva
authors: E
authors: Ramos
authors: Professor and Chair, Maxillofacial Surgery Department, BioCruces Health Research Institute, Cruces University Hospital, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Bizkaia, Spain; Consolidated research group (UPV/EHU IT821-13).
authors: Joseba
authors: J
authors: Santamaría
authors: Associate Professor, Stomatology I Department, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), BioCruces Health Research Institute, Spain; Consolidated research group (UPV/EHU IT821-13).
authors: Gorka
authors: G
authors: Santamaría
authors: Chair Professor, Maxillofacial Surgery Department, BioCruces Health Research Institute, Cruces University Hospital, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Spain; Consolidated research group (UPV/EHU IT821-13).
authors: Luis
authors: L
authors: Barbier
authors: Associate Professor, Stomatology I Department, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), BioCruces Health Research Institute, Spain; Consolidated research group (UPV/EHU IT821-13). Electronic address: Arteagoitia@gmail.com.
authors: Icíar
authors: I
authors: Arteagoitia
mesh_terms: D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis; D004368:Dry Socket / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014081:Tooth Extraction