An Examination of Past Data on Emergency Hospital Admissions Associated with Odontogenic Abscesses

Abstract

Background:
Odontogenic infections, originating from the teeth or their supporting structures, are a common cause of emergency medical visits in children, often leading to severe complications such as abscess formation. Although pediatric odontogenic abscesses are typically managed with antibiotics, severe cases necessitate surgical intervention, which may involve drainage under local or general anesthesia. The financial burden associated with the treatment of these infections is significant, particularly in public healthcare systems. Despite existing research on adult odontogenic infections, limited studies focus on pediatric cases requiring surgical treatment.
Methods:
This retrospective, single-center study analyzed data from 120 children and young people under 18 years of age who were hospitalized for odontogenic abscesses and received surgical drainage under local or general anesthesia over a 24-month period. Clinical data, including demographics, symptoms, abscess types, surgical procedures, and microbiological findings, were retrieved from medical records. Statistical analyses were performed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and ANOVA to examine the relationships between variables, including hospital stay duration, abscess type, and treatment costs.
Results:
The study included 120 patients (77 males, 43 females), with a mean age of 6.3 years. The most common abscess type was the canine fossa abscess (43.3%). The majority of surgical procedures (96.7%) were performed under general anesthesia. The average hospital stay was 1.82 ± 1.19 days. Hospital stay duration was significantly associated with the abscess type and age group. Perimandibular and floor-of-mouth abscesses were linked to longer hospital stays. Microbiological analysis revealed common pathogens such as Streptococcus anginosus and Streptococcus mitis/oralis. The financial analysis indicated significant variability in treatment costs based on abscess type.
Conclusion:
The study highlights the importance of abscess type in determining the length of hospitalization and associated treatment costs. Surgical procedures, especially those involving severe abscesses, contribute significantly to the financial burden. Early and appropriate management can reduce hospital stay duration and improve patient outcomes. This research underscores the need for targeted interventions to manage odontogenic infections efficiently in pediatric patients.