BENEFITS AND EFFICACY OF ANTIBIOTIC PROPHYLAXIS IN ORTHOGNATHIC SURGERY PROCEDURES

Abstract

This article aimed to discuss the benefits and efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis in orthognathic surgery procedures. Orthognathic surgery, part of oral and maxillofacial surgery, addresses dentofacial disorders by correcting facial relationships and dental positions, in addition to providing functional and aesthetic results. Due to its complexity, accurate diagnosis and careful planning are essential. The goal of antibiotic prophylaxis is to reduce the risk of infections at the surgical site by establishing a barrier of resistance against microorganisms through adequate concentrations of antibiotics that inhibit bacterial multiplication. Thus, this study aimed to analyze what the literature describes regarding antibiotic prophylaxis in orthognathic surgery procedures. The methodology used was a literature review, conducted from materials published in the SciELO Brasil, Virtual Health Library (BVS), PubMED, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases, between 2014 and 2024. The results of the reviewed studies on antibiotic prophylaxis in orthognathic surgeries indicate that, although there is a consensus on its importance for the prevention of postoperative infections, the evidence on the efficacy of different antibiotic regimens and their durations remains inconclusive. Therefore, antibiotic prophylaxis, despite its benefits, requires a critical and well-founded approach aimed at promoting the health and safety of patients undergoing orthognathic surgeries.