Prophylactic and postoperative antibiotic therapy for coronectomy procedures in mandibular third molars: mapping the evidence through a scoping review

PURPOSE: This scoping review systematically maps and summarizes the available evidence, identifies patterns, and highlights gaps in the current literature on antibiotic use in coronectomy procedures. METHODS: Databases were searched up to June 2025 for human clinical studies evaluating the coronectomy technique for mandibular third molars that reported pre- or postoperative antibiotic use. In addition to manuscript identification, study design, evaluated outcomes, and sample characteristics, the collected data focused on antibiotic regimens, postoperative infection rates, and other reported complications, such as dry socket. The data were analyzed descriptively and summarized via tables and figures. RESULTS: Fifty studies evaluating approximately 2,126 patients were included. The included studies reported substantial heterogeneity in antibiotic protocols for coronectomy. Postoperative antibiotic administration was the most frequently described approach, most commonly involving amoxicillin, either alone or in combination with clavulanate for 3–7 days, whereas other agents were prescribed less frequently. Postoperative infection and complications were reported in approximately 60 patients (2.82% of patients sample). Amoxicillin was the most frequently reported antibiotic in these cases, general practice reflecting its overall predominance in coronectomy protocols rather than indicating any association with postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: The available evidence remains insufficient to support standardized antibiotic protocols or to determine the necessity of routine antibiotic use in coronectomy procedures. These findings underscore the importance of cautious antibiotic prescribing and highlight the need for further controlled studies to better inform clinical decision-making.