Infección de los espacios profundos del cuello de origen dentario

Abstract

Background: Patients with deep infections may present with extremely serious and life-threatening conditions. It is unbelievable that someone could die from a molar infection in the 21st century, but it is real. Objective: The aim of the present study is to describe the diagnosis and treatment results of a series of patients with odontogenic deep neck infections, and to establish criteria for the management of these infections. Material and methods: We conducted a retrospective and descriptive study based on records from a database from September 2006 to June 2022. Only patients with odontogenic deep neck infections were included. The demographic variables, those related to the origin of the complication, the treatment performed, and the patients’ progress were evaluated. Results: The sample was made up of 499 patients; mean age was 29 years (12-70) and 288 (57.7%) were men. Late visits and self-medication were recorded in 269 patients (53.9%) and 271 patients (54.3%), respectively. Most of them had not received treatment for the affected tooth at the primary healthcare center. Surgical treatment was performed in 267 cases (53.5%), and the rest were managed with conservative approach. The disease had a favorable course in 497 patients (99.6%) and two patients died of mediastinitis. Conclusion: Odontogenic infections should be adequately diagnosed and treated correctly and early to avoid extremely serious complications. Population-based educational campaigns and training for physicians and dentists working in primary care centers and emergency departments could improve this issue.