| A patient may experience adverse side effects from the misuse of antibiotics and non-narcotic analgesics. An investigation
of whether patients are aware, knowledgeable, and feel comfortable using antibiotics and non-narcotic analgesics at the
dentist was undertaken in this survey. Using similar surveys, 20 questions were incorporated into the questionnaire.
Patients of the Department of Endodontics were asked to fill out a validated self-administered questionnaire. One operator
gave the questionnaires and retrieved them. No personal information was collected about the patients. Accessibility,
attitude toward usage, efficacy, side effects, resistance, and dental use were questioned in the questionnaire. We were able
to use 90% of all questionnaires distributed. Analgesics and antibiotics were the most commonly used self-medications
(45% and 20%, respectively). 77 percent of respondents claim to know when to use antibiotics, but only 55% follow it.
When respondents thought they were better, most (45%) quit using antibiotics. 42% of antibiotics are used to relieve dental
pain, and 32% are used after root canal treatment. Among those who reported swelling, 26% recommended taking
antibiotics before a dental appointment. Many misconceptions and inadequate knowledge contribute to the misuse of
antibiotics and non-narcotic analgesics. Respondents also had uncertainty regarding the use of antibiotics and non-narcotic
analgesics during dental procedures and to treat dental diseaseddd |
