2 research outputs found
Epidemiology and variables involved in dental abscess: survey of dental emergency unit in Trieste
OBJECTIVES: The objective of this epidemiologic study was to estimate the healing
time of acute dental abscesses and to evaluate the main variables involved in the
healing process itself.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Among a sample of over 24 000 patients visited at the
emergency dental unit, 688 subjects were diagnosed with dental abscess and
enrolled in the study. Case histories of all patients were collected to
investigate the clinical course and healing time of dental abscess according to
anamnestic and diagnostic data and therapeutic management. A multiple logistic
regression model was performed to evaluate the association of each variable with
the healing time required for dental abscess.
RESULTS: Variables associated with increased healing time were spring seasonality
at admission, pyretic state, trismus, involvement of multiple anatomic spaces,
and spontaneous drainage. Moreover, administration of some, but not all, classes
of antibiotics was also associated with an increased healing time.
CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge of variables involved in healing time for dental
abscess is crucial in the optimization of managing such infections in terms of
cost-benefit ratio. This would represent a valuable way to ensure a shortened and
more effective healing