Evaluation of bacterial spectrum of orofacial infections and their antibiotic susceptibility

Recent development and fighting strategies for lincosamide antibiotic resistance

SUMMARYLincosamides constitute an important class of antibiotics used against a wide range of pathogens, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. However, due to the misuse of lincosamide and co-selection pressure, the resistance to lincosamide has become a serious concern. It is urgently needed to carefully understand the phenomenon and mechanism of lincosamide resistance to effectively prevent and control lincosamide resistance. To date, six mobile lincosamide resistance classes, including lnu, cfr, erm, vga, lsa, and sal, have been identified. These lincosamide resistance genes are frequently found on mobile genetic elements (MGEs), such as plasmids, transposons, integrative and conjugative elements, genomic islands, and prophages. Additionally, MGEs harbor the genes that confer resistance not only to antimicrobial agents of other classes but also to metals and biocides. The ultimate purpose of discovering and summarizing bacterial resistance is to prevent, control, and combat resistance effectively. This review highlights four promising strategies, including chemical modification of antibiotics, the development of antimicrobial peptides, the initiation of bacterial self-destruct program, and antimicrobial stewardship, to fight against resistance and safeguard global health.

Rising incidence of severe maxillofacial space infections in Germany

OBJECTIVES

Severe maxillofacial space infection (MSI) as an end stage of dentoalveolar diseases or complication of sialadenitis is a potentially life-threatening disease accompanied by complications including airway obstruction, jugular vein thrombosis, descending mediastinitis, sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome. The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence and time trends of severe MSI and potentially influencing factors in the German healthcare system over time.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Nationwide data regarding the national diagnosis-related-group (DRG) inpatient billing system was received from the German Federal Statistical Office. A retrospective analysis of incidence and time trends of MSI-associated procedures classified with the Operation and Procedure Classification System (OPS), were statistically evaluated using Poisson regression analysis between 2005 and 2022 and were associated with different epidemiological factors.

RESULTS

The total standardized incidence rate of MSI-associated procedures in the observational period 2005-2022 was 9.8 (♀8.2; ♂11.4) per 100,000 person years. For all age groups a significant increase of 46.1% in severe MSI - related surgical interventions was registered within the observational period. The largest increase (120.5%) was found in elderly patients over 80 years. There were significant differences of the incidences of MSI-associated surgeries between the different federal states in Germany.

CONCLUSIONS

Severe MSI are a growing challenge in German health care especially among elderly patients over 80 years.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Severe MSI is a promising target for prevention. There should be more focus in primary dental and medical care especially in groups depending on social support.

Microbiota of Dental Abscess and their Susceptibility to Empirical Antibiotic Therapy

Context

Resistant pathogens to purulent odontogenic infections have evolved due to misuse of antibiotics. Hence, it is important to use a suitable antibacterial agent.

Aim

This study aimed to identify the common bacterial species causing odontogenic infections and to determine their antibiotic susceptibility profile to amoxicillin, amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, azithromycin, and linezolid.

Settings and Design

This was an in vitro cross-sectional study.

Material and Methods

Fifty pus samples from odontogenic abscess were cultured and antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed as per the standard microbiological procedures.

Statistical Analysis Used

Binomial test and Pearson's Chi-square test were used for statistical analysis.

Results

Out of the 50 samples cultured, 30 samples showed growth. The distribution of growth among the 30 samples was Gram-positive cocci (n = 23, 67.65%) and Gram-negative bacilli (n = 11, 32.35%). Gram-positive isolates that were grown were Enterococcus faecalis (38.24%) followed by Staphylococcus aureus (29.41%) and Gram-negative bacilli that were isolated were Klebsiella pneumoniae (14.71%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (8.82%), Escherichia coli (5.88%), and Enterobacter (2.94%). Enterococcus isolates were highly susceptible to amoxicillin (76.92%). An increase in the zone of inhibition to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid was appreciated more for Staphylococcus (50%) than Enterococcus (30.76%). Enterococcus and Staphylococcus showed high susceptibility of 92.31% and 90% to linezolid, respectively. E. coli and Enterobacter were 100% susceptible to amoxicillin. All the Gram-negative bacteria except for P. aeruginosa were 100% highly susceptible to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid.

Conclusions

Culture-guided antibiotic prescriptions are necessary to prevent the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Effect of antibiotic prophylaxis in dental implant surgery: A multicenter placebo-controlled double-blinded randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

The growing resistance of bacteria to antimicrobial medicines is a global issue and a direct threat to human health. Despite this, antibiotic prophylaxis is often still routinely used in dental implant surgery to prevent bacterial infection and early implant failure, despite unclear benefits. There is a lack of sufficient evidence to formulate clear clinical guidelines and therefore there is a need for well-designed, large-scale randomized controlled trials to determine the effect of antibiotic prophylaxis.

PURPOSE

To compare the effect of a presurgical antibiotic regimen with an identical placebo regimen in healthy or relatively healthy patients receiving dental implants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The 474 patients participating in the study were recruited from seven clinics in southern Sweden. We randomized the patients into a test and a placebo group; the study was conducted double-blinded. Preoperatively, the test group received 2 g of amoxicillin and the control group, identical placebo tablets. The primary outcome was implant failure; secondary outcomes were postoperative infections and adverse events. Patients were evaluated at two follow-ups: at 7-14 days and at 3-6 months.

RESULTS

Postoperative evaluations of the antibiotic (n = 238) and the placebo (n = 235) groups noted implant failures (antibiotic group: six patients, 2.5% and placebo group: seven patients, 3.0%) and postoperative infections (antibiotic group: two patients, 0.8% and placebo group: five patients, 2.1%). No patient reported any adverse events. Between-group differences in implant failures and postoperative infections were nonsignificant.

CONCLUSION

Antibiotic prophylaxis in conjunction with implant placement is likely of small benefit and should thus be avoided in most cases, especially given the unabated growth in antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03412305.

Odontogenic Head and Neck Region Infections Requiring Hospitalization: An 18-Month Retrospective Analysis

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.

Abscess Associated with Sialolith in a Parotid Duct - A Case Report

RATIONALE

The aim of this work is to describe the case of a large abscess associated with a sialolith in the parotid duct.

PATIENT CONCERNS

Patient's concern is evident in this pathology, because infection untreated or rapidly spreading infections can be potentially life-threatening secondary to airway compromise or septicemia.

DIAGNOSIS

Clinical examination, ultrasonography of the region, and cone beam computed tomography were requested to confirm the diagnosis of a sialolith associated with a large abscess.

TREATMENT

Antibiotic therapy with extraoral drainage was performed. After remission of the infection, the stone was located, removed, and the edges sutured.

OUTCOMES

The patient was followed for 6 months. There was a minimal scar without any other noteworthy change.

TAKE-AWAY LESSONS

The pathological changes involving the salivary glands are extremely important for diagnosis and treatment plan.

Antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of oral viridans group Streptococci in children at risk of infective endocarditis

Infective endocarditis (IE) is an important clinical disease in children with a mortality rate of 11.6%. Prophylaxis with antibiotics is one of the most commonly used methods in children at risk of IE; therefore, the evaluation of antibiotic resistance seems necessary in view of its increasing trend. This study aimed to determine the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of oral viridans group streptococci (VGS) isolated from the dental plaque of children at risk of IE. Fifty-one plaque samples were obtained from children aged 3 to 12 years old in the period from April to July 2018. Samples were obtained with sterile swabs and were transferred to the laboratory in Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) Broth. Samples were immediately cultivated on Columbia blood agar. After identifying VGS, antimicrobial susceptibility test (AST) was performed using Mueller-Hinton agar (MHA) with sheep's blood and E-test strips for selected antibiotics. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined for each isolate and the results were reported as sensitive, intermediate and resistant. Fifty-one VGS bacteria were isolated from children with an average age of 7.3 ± 2.5 years. The highest resistance was observed for azithromycin in 36 (70.6%) isolates and then cefazolin in 35 (68.6%) isolates. The highest susceptibility was observed for amoxicillin in 46 (90.2%) isolates. Based on the findings of this study, amoxicillin is the most effective option for prophylaxis in children. Furthermore, cefazolin should be used with caution because bacteria resistant to this antibiotic can transfer resistance genes to other bacteria.

Management of odontogenic infections and sepsis: an update

The management of odontogenic infections has improved over recent decades, but further improvements are still required. The ongoing education of GDPs and their dental teams on this issue continues to be important, especially during the current COVID-19 pandemic, where remote triage poses additional difficulties and challenges.Odontogenic infections can lead to sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition caused by the body's immune system responding in an abnormal way. This can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death. A patient with non-odontogenic-related infection could also present with sepsis at a dental practice. Early recognition and prompt management of sepsis improves outcomes. GDPs and their dental teams should be trained in the recognition and management of sepsis. Age-specific sepsis decision support tools have been developed by the UK Sepsis Trust to help dental staff recognise and manage patients with suspected sepsis.The aim of this article is to provide an update on the management of odontogenic infections and sepsis.

The pathogenic microbial flora and its antibiotic susceptibility pattern in odontogenic infections

Suppurative head and neck infections of odontogenic origin are the most frequent type of head and neck infections. According to the literature, 7-10% of all antibiotics are currently prescribed for their treatment. Since penicillin was invented, the overall antibiotic sensitivity and resistance pattern of the isolated pathogenic microflora has continuously changed. The response of microorganisms to antibiotics and the development of resistance to their action is a purely evolutive process characterized by genetic mutations, acquisition of genetic material or alteration of gene expression and metabolic adaptations. All this makes challenging and difficult the correct choice of empirical antibiotic treatment for head and neck space infections even today. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the literature and to evidence the most frequent locations of odontogenic head and neck infections, the dominant pathogenic microbial flora, the genetic mutations and metabolic changes necessary for bacteria in order to aquire antibiotic resistance and as well its susceptibility and resistance to common antibiotics. We also aimed to highlight the possible changes in bacterial resistance to antibiotics over time, and to assess whether or not there is a need for fundamental changes in the empirical antibiotic treatment of these infections and show which these would be.

Dental Infection and Resistance-Global Health Consequences

Antibiotics are widely used in dental caries and another dental related issues, both for therapeutic and prophylactic reasons. Unfortunately, in recent years the use of antibiotics has been accompanied by the rapid emergence antimicrobial resistance. Dental caries and periodontal diseases are historically known as the top oral health burden in both developing and developed nations affecting around 20⁻50% of the population of this planet and the uppermost reason for tooth loss. Dental surgeons and family practitioners frequently prescribed antimicrobials for their patients as outpatient care. Several studies reported that antibiotics are often irrationally- and overprescribed in dental diseases which is the basis of antimicrobial resistance. The aim of this review is to evaluate the use of antibiotics in dental diseases. Almost certainly the promotion of primary oral health care (POHC) in primary health care program especially among the least and middle-income countries (LMIC) may be the answer to ensure and promote rational dental care.

Aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms and antibiotic sensitivity of odontogenic maxillofacial infections

This study aimed to identify the aerobic and anaerobic causal microorganisms of odontogenic infections and their antibiotic sensitivity. Purulent exudates were taken from patients with odontogenic infections by transdermal puncture, and aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms were identified using biochemical tests. Susceptibility to antibiotics was tested using the Kirby-Bauer method; the inhibition halos were measured according to NCCLS, and based on the results, the microorganisms were classified as susceptible, intermediate or resistant to each antibiotic. Frequencies of species and percentages of resistance were calculated. The microorganisms associated with odontogenic infections were principally anaerobic (65.3% anaerobic vs. 35.7% aerobic), and the susceptibility to antibiotics was higher in anaerobic than in aerobic microorganisms. The majority of isolated microorganisms (82%) showed susceptibility to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. The causal agents of odontogenic infections were anaerobic microorganisms, which exhibited high resistance to antibiotics.

ORO-FACIAL FASCIAL SPACE INFECTION IN A PAEDIATRIC GAMBIAN POPULATION: A REVIEW OF 93 CASES

BACKGROUND

Oro-facial fascial space infection is known to be a clinical presentation of neglected dental care. The proportion of children with dental sepsis has also been known to increase markedly with caries experience. Such fascial space infection in the paediatric age group is known to progress rapidly within a short period and is thus potentially more fatal than in the adult population.

AIM

This study aimed to document and evaluate the pattern of oro-facial fascial space infection amongst paediatric Gambian population.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study was a 4-year descriptive retrospective survey of all patients with oro-facial fascial space infection seen and managed at the dental unit of the polyclinic attached to the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital in Banjul, The Gambia from May 2015 to April 2019. The information collated were patients' sociodemographic data as well as clinical features related to their medical and dental condition. The extracted data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 15.0 (SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL). Absolute numbers and simple percentages were used to describe categorical variables. Quantitative variables were described using mean (with standard deviation), median and range. Categorical variables were compared using chi square test and numeric variables compared using student t-test. Differences were considered significant if p<0.05.

RESULTS

A total of 322 patients with oro-facial fascial space infection were managed within the period of the study out of whom 93 patients that met the inclusion criteria were studied. Their ages ranged from 3 months to 16 years, with a mean age of 8.5(SD2.1) years. There were 54 males and 39 females with a gender (M: F) ratio of 1.4: 1. All the patients presented with painful facial swelling and fever. Eighty-one (87.1%) had a history of toothache. The median number of fascial space involvement was 1 space; the submandibular space was involved unilaterally in 43 (46.2%) and bilaterally in 8 patients (8.6%). Eighty-one (87.1%) were odontogenic in origin and 12 (12.9%) were non-odontogenic. Seventy-two (88.89%) of odontogenic cases involved posterior teeth and 45 (62.5%) of these were the first permanent molars. Incision and decompression and teeth extraction were done for all the odontogenic cases. Staphylococci and/or streptococci were cultured from six patients. All the patients had inpatient treatment with a combination of intravenous amoxicillin, metronidazole and gentamicin treatment. Mortality rate was 5.4% (5 out of 93) and the mean age of patients who died, 3.0 (SD0.3) years, was significantly lower than that of those who survived, 8.3 (SD1.4) years, (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The commonest symptoms of oro-facial fascial space infection in the Gambian paediatric population were fever, facial swelling and toothache. Most of the infections were odontogenic and affected most commonly the submandibular space. Posterior teeth were more commonly involved than the anterior, with the first permanent molar being the most commonly affected tooth. Incision and decompression were performed in all odontogenic cases, with extraction of all culprit teeth. All patients had in-patient treatment with intravenous amoxicillin, metronidazole and gentamicin. The mortality rate was 5.4%. The burden of dental caries with its complications is huge in the paediatric population of the Gambia. Training of dental surgeons and specialists and their auxiliaries with advocacy on the need for regular dental checkup for children, as well as prompt attention to dental diseases will help to reduce this scourge.

Treatment of odontogenic infections: An analysis of two antibiotic regimens

PURPOSE

Retrospective analysis of the efficacy for two commonly used antibiotic regimens in the management of severe odontogenic infections.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Evaluation of records of patients admitted to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery service at Boston University Medical Center from 2009 to 2014 with severe infections of odontogenic origin (SOI). Patients were divided into two groups based on the administered intravenous antibiotic: 1) Group I: Clindamycin only and 2) Group II: Penicillin and Metronidazole. Variables evaluated included demographic characteristics, ASA status, and anatomic site of infection risk, length of hospital stay, antibiotic failure, and pharmaceutical treatment cost.

RESULTS

78 patients (46 males and 32 females) were included in the study. There were 57 patients in group I (average age 32.6 years) and 21 in Group II (average age 32.8 years). The average white cell count at time of admission count was higher in Group I (19.3) versus Group II (17.4). Antibiotic failure rate was 3.5% in Group I and 4.7% for group 2 patients.

CONCLUSION

Clindamycin alone and combination of Penicillin with Metronidazole are both effective pharmaceutical regimens for SOI. Clindamycin therapy resulted in shorter hospital stay and lower net treatment costs with a slightly higher success rate.

The Role of Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Reducing Bacterial Contamination of Autologous Bone Graft Collected from Implant Site

The aim of this study was to evaluate if antibiotic prophylaxis reduces the bacterial contamination of bone particles collected directly from the burs used for implant site preparation. Thirty-four patients underwent the surgical procedures for a total of 34 implant sites. One 1 gr. tablet of amoxicillin + clavulanic acid was given to the test group 12 hours and 1 hour before the surgery. The control group did not take antibiotic prophylaxis. Bone particles were collected and centrifuged. The suspensions were subjected to serial dilutions and each dilution was examined twice using a spatulation technique in Trypticase Soy Agar (TSA), in Sabouraud Dextrose Agar, and in Mitis Salivarius Agar (MSA). The number of colonies was calculated and the identification of various microorganisms was made. The most represented species, in both groups of patients, belonged to the “oral Streptococci.” For TSA, the test and control groups differed significantly (p = 0.018). Conversely, there was no significant difference for MSA (p = 0.201) and for the number of bacterial species isolated in the samples of the two groups of patients (p = 0.898). The antibiotic prophylaxis reduced, but did not cancel, the risk of infection of the autogenous particulate bone graft. This trial is registered with IRCT2017102537002N1.

Is the routine practice of antibiotic prescription and microbial culture and antibiotic sensitivity testing justified in primary maxillofacial space infection patients? A prospective, randomized clinical study

PURPOSE

The purpose of this prospective, randomized, comparative clinical study was to compare treatment outcome of removal of foci and incision and drainage, with or without oral antibiotic therapy, in the management of single primary maxillofacial space infection with a known focus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 40 patients with single primary maxillofacial space infection with a known infectious focus were divided into two groups, one treated with incision and drainage only, and the other with incision and drainage along with oral antibiotics. The focus of infection was addressed in both groups. Parameters evaluated included pain score, maximum mouth opening, swelling, purulent discharge and return to normal life, which were assessed on days 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7. The patients were followed up until they reported return to normal life as assessed by a questionnaire.

RESULTS

All of the patients rapidly responded to treatment as observed by a reduction in pain, swelling, discharge, and improvement in mouth opening. Pus discharge stopped within first 3 days in 75% of patients. The patients who underwent immediate extraction showed a faster resolution of infection (mean return to normal life = 9 days) than others (mean = 11.2 days). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups for the five study parameters (p < 0.05). Of the total pus specimens, 75% had no significant bacterial growth, or grew 'oral flora'/contaminants, while only 25% grew specific bacteria.

CONCLUSION

This study questions the conventional practice by dental practitioners and surgeons of prescribing antibiotics to all patients with odontogenic infection. Microbial culture and antibiotic sensitivity is of little therapeutic value in selected patient groups.

Orofacial Bacterial Infectious Diseases: An Update

OBJECTIVES

Most of the oral infections with odontogenic origin are very common and can be treated by tooth extraction, endodontic therapy, or surgical treatment. Other infectious lesions are the manifestations of systemic diseases such as tuberculosis and syphilis. Skin and underlying subcutaneous tissue, fascia, or muscle is also involved with infectious diseases which range from superficial epidermal infections to very serious necrotizing fasciitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An extensive literature in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus search was performed from 1980 to 2017. All related articles were analyzed.

RESULTS

Most oral infections have odontogenic origin. Skin and the underlying subcutaneous tissue, fascia, or muscles are also involved with infectious diseases which range from superficial epidermal infections to very serious necrotizing fasciitis.

CONCLUSIONS

These facts prove that the interaction between the oral cavity, face skin, and the other organs can risk the people's life. The establishment of a correct diagnosis and recognition of clinical findings are the crucial steps to support and improve professional orofacial health status.

Pattern of management of oro-facial infection in children: A retrospective

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to determine the distribution and management of orofacial infection in children treated at one of the major hospitals in Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia over a 12-month period during the year 2014.

METHODS

Data from the clinical records of 94 children (33 girls, 61 boys; aged 2-14 years) who presented for treatment of orofacial infection at the emergency dental department of the military hospital in Jeddah during a 12-month period. Patients were treated with antibiotic therapy. A favorable outcome was determined based on length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

The results indicated that the most common cause of odontogenic infection in Saudi children was dental caries (88%). The primary posterior teeth (84%) were considered to be a major source of infection. The most commonly affected teeth were the primary first molars (34%), followed by the primary second molars (31%). Six children were hospitalized; four of these stayed less than 4 days, which was considered a short hospital stay. The most common treatment was antibiotics as 93% received a type of antibiotic.

CONCLUSIONS

The most common cause of odontogenic infection was dental caries which has been treated with antibiotic prescription and dental procedures.

Moxifloxacin versus Clindamycin/Ceftriaxone in the management of odontogenic maxillofacial infectious processes: A preliminary, intrahospital, controlled clinical trial

Background

The aim of this study was to compare the days of hospitalization length between patients treated with Moxifloxacin with that of patients treated with a Clindamycin/Ceftriaxone combination and additionally, to isolate and identify the oral pathogens involved in orofacial odontogenic infections.

Material and Methods

A pilot-controlled-clinical-trial was carried out on hospitalized patients with cervicofacial odontogenic abscesses or cellulitis, who were randomly asigned to two study groups: 1) patients who received Moxifloxacin, and 2) patients receiving Clindamycin/Ceftriaxone combination. Infiltrate samples were collected through transdermic or transmucosal punction and later cultured on a media specific for aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms. Mean hospitalization duration in days until hospital discharge and susceptibility assessment in rates were established.

Results

Mean hospitalization time in days of patients treated with Moxifloxacin was 7.0 ± 1.6 days, while in the Clindamycin/Ceftriaxone group, this was 8.4 ± 1.8 days, although significant difference could not be demonstrated (p=0.074). A total of 43 strains were isolated, all of these Gram-positive. These strains appeared to be highly sensitive to Moxifloxacin (97.5%) and Ceftriaxone (92.5%).

Conclusions

Moxifloxacin and Ceftriaxone appear to be potential convenient and rational alternatives to traditional antibiotics, for treating severe odontogenic infections, in conjunction with surgical extraoral incision, debridement, and drainage.

Key words:Orofacial odontogenic infections, antimicrobial susceptibility, antimicrobial resistance.

Odontogenic Infections: A 1-year Retrospective Study

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to analyze the prevalence, demographic patterns and management of odontogenic infections in patients undergoing treatment in an outpatient dental emergency service of a university hospital.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a retrospective study of the year 2012, all patients suffering from odontogenic infections were included. Demographic data, diagnosis and the conducted treatment were analyzed. Odontogenic infections were defined as pulpitis, apical and marginal periodontitis, abscesses and pericoronitis.

RESULTS

A total of 2,058 out of 4,209 emergency patients suffered from odontogenic infections. The majority (45.0%) had an apical periodontitis, 20.8% abscesses, 17.3% a marginal periodontitis, 16.3% a pulpitis and 5.8% a pericoronitis. Mean age was 37.5 ± 17.0 years standard deviation (SD) (1.2-96.4). Most patients were 20 to 29 years (24.6%), followed by the age group of 30 to 39 year old patients (21.0%). Males were affected more frequently (55.5%) than females (45.5%). Most of the patients (64.5%) of the patients received a dental or surgical treatment. Antibiotics were prescribed in 31.7% of cases. Amoxicillin was the most common prescribed antibiotic (54.5%).

CONCLUSION

Odontogenic infections represent one of the main reasons for consulting the emergency service. Due to the high number of cases and the severe complications, dentists have to be familiar with the surgical management of odontogenic infections as well as the appropriate use of antibiotics.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Nearly half of all patients who sought, treatment in the emergency service had an odontogenic infectious disease. This should be considered for the organization and planning of the service.