Abstract
The aim of this study was to comprehensively review our experience with odontogenic infections in the head and neck region requiring treatment at a national referral center. We retrospectively reviewed 85 patients treated at the Chair and Clinic of Maxillofacial Surgery of the University Hospital in Wrocław between January 2018 and June 2019. We excluded patients with nonondontogenic infections or other than purulent clinical forms of dentivitis in the head and neck region. Several demographic, clinicopathological, and treatment variables were assessed. The majority of patients were men who were referred for inpatient treatment by a dentist or family doctor, presented to the Hospital Emergency Ward (SOR) by themselves, or transported to the SOR by paramedics SOR from their home or another hospital. All patients were treated in accordance with the current guidelines for head and neck region odontogenic infections. An incision was made and the abscess was drained. The odontogenic cause was removed followed by the collection of tissue for microbiological examination. The course of infection was monitored by means of laboratory parameters such as leukocyte counts and c-reactive protein levels. Odontogenic infections in the head and neck region are a persistent and common problem. Rapid, accurate diagnosis and treatment minimizes the risk of life-threatening complications, shortens the hospitalization period, and lowers treatment costs.
Highlights
Despite universal access to dental care and antibiotic therapy, odontogenic infections requiring hospitalization remain a serious clinical problem [1,2,3]
Systemic treatment includes empirical antibiotic therapy according to the antibiogram
Material for microbiological examination is collected during the abscess drainage in order to identify the microbial species, their sensitivity to specific groups of antibiotics and chemotherapeutics, and to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration
Summary
Despite universal access to dental care and antibiotic therapy, odontogenic infections requiring hospitalization remain a serious clinical problem [1,2,3]. Bacterial virulence, decreased host immunity, and lack of appropriate treatment lead to the spread of localized odontogenic infections to the deep fascial spaces of the head and neck [4, 5]. Odontogenic infections in the head and neck region may cause life-threatening complications, including respiratory obstruction, diffuse inflammatory abscess processes, necrotizing fasciitis, purulent meningitis, cerebrospinal abscesses, mediastinitis, sepsis, and septic shock [6,7,8,9]. It is recommended to remove the infection source (usually the causative tooth) during incision and drainage, if the patient’s condition allows it [6, 15, 16]. Material for microbiological examination is collected during the abscess drainage in order to identify the microbial species, their sensitivity to specific groups of antibiotics and chemotherapeutics (antibiogram), and to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
