Demographic investigation of 700 cases with severe odontogenic abscess in the maxillofacial region: A 6-year retrospective study

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this retrospective study is to retrospectively analyze the demographic distribution and treatment methods of patients with odontogenic abscess who applied to Dicle University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery between 2017 and 2022, and evaluate the findings. Methods: Patient documents of 700 odontogenic abscess cases who applied to our clinic were collected and examined. The data obtained were analyzed according to gender, age, time, anatomical localization, and treatment options. All the data obtained were evaluated with statistical analysis. Results: As a result of the statistical analysis; a total of 700 patients, including 400 men (57%), and 300 women (43%), were treated. Of the patients with a mean age of 33±18 years, 63% (440) were treated with extraoral drainage and 37% (260) with intraoral drainage. In terms of localization, the most common areas of odontogenic abscess formation were mandibular posterior (54% - 376 cases), maxillary posterior (26% - 184 cases), maxillary anterior (17% - 116 cases), and mandibular anterior (3% - 24 cases). The most common reasons patients came to the clinic were swelling, pain, fever, and trismus. The year 2022 was analyzed as the year with the most intensive patient treatment, and 2017 as the year with the least patient treatment. In the analyses, when looking at the distribution of gender and localization by years, there was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05), but when looking at the distribution of drainage techniques by years, it was determined that there was a statistically significant difference (p<0.001). Conclusion: The demographic characteristics and treatment options of patients with odontogenic abscesses vary depending on the causative tooth area. Odontogenic infections can become life-threatening in a short time if left untreated. Intraoral and extraoral drainage are very important for success in the treatment of common odontogenic abscesses where medical treatment is inadequate.   How to cite this article: Güler R. Demographic investigation of 700 cases with severe odontogenic abscess in the maxillofacial region: A 6-year retrospective study. J Med Dent Invest 2023; 4: e230350. https://doi.org/10.5577/jomdi.e230350