ANTIBIOTIC PRESCRIPTION IN ENDODONTICS AND RISKS OF INDISCRIMINATE USE

Abstract

This study aimed to review the literature regarding antibiotic prescription in endodontic treatments, addressing its main clinical indications, therapeutic limitations, and the risks associated with the indiscriminate use of these medications. This is an integrative literature review with a descriptive and qualitative approach, conducted through searches in the PubMed/MEDLINE, SciELO, LILACS, and Google Scholar databases, using descriptors related to endodontics, antibiotic prescription, and bacterial resistance. Articles published between 2016 and 2026, available in full text and written in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, were included. The results demonstrated that the inappropriate use of antibiotics in endodontics remains frequent in different countries, especially in clinical situations in which local interventions would be sufficient to resolve the infection. In addition, an association was observed between inappropriate prescriptions, deficiencies in professional training, and low adherence to clinical guidelines. It was concluded that the rational use of antibiotics in endodontics depends on correct diagnostic interpretation, continuous scientific updating, and the adoption of evidence-based clinical protocols, contributing to the reduction of antimicrobial resistance and the promotion of greater therapeutic safety.