Journal of Endodontics Highlights: September—November 2017
By Melissa A. Marchesan, D.D.S., M.S., Ph.D.
The Journal of Endodontics is a wealth of research and information about endodontics. In the December 2017 – August 2018 issues of The Paper Point, a member of the RNP Committee will dig into three articles from the most recent JOE to provide their own synopsis.
September 2017: “AAE Guidance on the Use of Systemic Antibiotics in Endodontics.” AAE Position Statement.
This position statement intended to show current trends in prescribing antibiotics, highlight the importance of appropriate clinical recommendations for its use and assess risks and benefits of this practice. When appropriately prescribed, the benefits of antibiotics include the resolution of infection, prevention of the spread of disease and minimization of serious complications. However, 50% of all antibiotics are prescribed or used incorrectly. Take some time to go over some key scenarios where using antibiotics to successfully manage infection of endodontic origin are adequate! Read Full Article
October 2017: “Antibiotic Use in 2016 by Members of the American Association of Endodontists: Report of a National Survey.” Mark Germack, Christine Sedgley, Wael Sabbah and Brian Whitten.
To further explore antibiotic prescription patterns, the authors surveyed practices of endodontists in the United States. Results showed that there has been a significant shift from prescribing penicillin V to amoxicillin as the endodontist’s first choice of antibiotic and an increase in the use of clindamycin for penicillin-allergic patients. Antibiotics are still prescribed in clinical situations for which they are typically not indicated and this is more commonly done in the Southeast area of the country due to patient expectations! Read Full Article
November 2017: “Bacterial Contamination of Endodontic Materials before and after Clinical Storage.” Media Saeed, Garrit Koller, Sadia Niazi, Shanon Patel, Francesco Mannocci, Kenneth Bruce and Federico Foschi.
The authors of this study determined bacterial contamination of endodontic materials such as GP points, rubber dams, mixing pads, caulking agents and sponges before and after clinical storage. Essentially, these materials already carried bacteria when taken out of the manufacture’s sealed packages but we contributed to further contamination after opening and storing them in our practices. Read Full Article