Explain the systemic antibiotic cover
The need for systemic antibiotic cover should be considered. The original protocols recommended an antibiotic such as amoxicillin 250 mg 8 hourly for 5 to 7 days, unless the patient is allergic where a suitable alternative should be prescribed. Alternative regimes include administration of 3 grams of amoxicillin 1 hour before surgery, or 500 mg every 8 hours for 48 hours.