Sir, I am not an academic practitioner and so I relate this tale with no empirical evidence apart from what my nurse and I have noticed in our oral surgery practice.

About 18 months ago I attended a course given by Professor Mike Martin (he of microbiology, GDC and Somerset beer drinking fame) at which he told us firstly that there has never been any real reason why antibiotics should be given for five days after surgery, and secondly, we should use only one 200mg tablet of metronidazole at the time of surgery instead. Many of us were sceptical but I decided to give it a try and from that day to this, I routinely give just one 200mg tablet of metronidazole at the time of surgery (some authorities suggest one hour before surgery) when doing any apicectomy or wisdom tooth – however messy or infected they are beforehand.

To date, I have not had one single case of postoperative infection in approximately 70 operations performed, and neither have I changed my technique! Beforehand I would expect at least one case every month or so.

So on the face of it, Professor Martin's suggestion is a good one. I reiterate my observations are not tested empirically but perhaps some enterprising person would like to take it on? In the meantime I urge colleagues to review their own postoperative antibiotic regimes – perhaps this regime will work for them? It would certainly reduce the quantity of antibiotics dispensed and taken by the general public on our instructions.