Odontogenic Abscess-Related Emergency Hospital Admissions: A Retrospective Data Analysis of 120 Children and Young People Requiring Surgical Drainage

Abstract

Introduction Even today, despite medical progress and intensive health education, odontogenic infections leading to surgical intervention and hospitalization are common in children and young people. The aim of this study was to give a detailed overview of clinical and economic data on children and young people treated and hospitalized due to an odontogenic abscess at a tertiary university hospital. Methods A single-center retrospective analysis of patients under the age of 18 years who were hospitalized and surgically treated under local or general anesthesia for an odontogenic abscess during a period of 24 months was performed. Results A total of 120 patients (77 males; 43 females) within the observation period of 2 years were included. The mean age was 6.3 years (ranging from 1 to 17 years). The most frequent diagnosis was a canine fossa abscess (n = 52; 43.3%) and the left primary maxillary first molar could be identified as the most frequent source of infection. The average length of hospital stay was 1.82 days (ranging from 0 to 8 days). The duration was significantly correlated with the kind of abscess diagnosed (p < 0.001) and the duration of the surgical intervention in patients who were treated under general anesthesia (rho = 0.259, p = 0.005). A statistically significant relationship was observed between the kind of abscess and cost (p < 0.001). Conclusion The length of hospital stay was significantly correlated with the kind of abscess diagnosed. The left primary maxillary first molar could be identified as the most frequent source of infection. A statistically significant relationship was observed between the kind of abscess and cost.

Factors associated with prolonged hospitalizations from odontogenic infections in children

“…Few reports have described the relationships between patients' gender and the incidence of odontogenic infections. In this study, males accounted for 58.7% of children hospitalized for odontogenic infections, which is in agreement with previous reports having 51-66% male predominance 5,7,15,[24][25][26][27] .…”

“…Severe odontogenic infections form a significant public health concern. Early diagnosis and management of orofacial infections in children is crucial for preventing serious complications such as airway obstruction, Ludwig's Angina, sepsis and cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST) 8,13,23,24 .…”

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

“…The general condition is usually moderately good, with a body temperature of up to 38°C. Depending on the bacteria's virulence, host immune status, and treatment, the inflammatory infiltration may be absorbed, spread to adjacent structures, or form an abscess as a self-limiting process [ 1 , 4 , 13 , 25 ]. An abscess is a limited interstitial, interfascial, or soft tissue cavity filled with pus.…”

“…Despite universal access to dental care and antibiotic therapy, odontogenic infections requiring hospitalization remain a serious clinical problem [ 1 – 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 – 9 ].…”

Localised submental abscess consequent to an infected premolar socket: a case report

“…[1][2][3] Virulence of the bacteria, lowered host immunity, and lack of appropriate therapy are consequent to flaring of localized dental infections in the deep fascial spaces of the head and neck. 4,5 Odontogenic infections in the head and neck region may lead to life-threatening complications, like respiratory obstruction, diffuse inflammatory abscess processes, necrotizing fasciitis, purulent meningitis, cerebrospinal abscesses, mediastinitis, sepsis, and septic shock. [6][7][8][9] A dental socket suppuration occurs initially then the pathogens and their toxins penetrate the open tooth apex and result in inflammatory reaction of the periodontium, bone, and overlying periosteum.…”