Dental Infections in Emergency Medicine Treatment & Management
- Author: Lynnus F Peng, MD; Chief Editor: Barry E Brenner, MD, PhD, FACEP more...
Emergency Department Care
The source of the dental infection must ultimately be removed or controlled. Pain medication and antibiotics may be given if the patient is not systemically ill and appears to have a simple localized odontogenic infection or abscess. Localized infections
I&D may be performed if a periapical or periodontal abscess is identified, depending on the physician’s comfort level.
After anesthesia of the tooth, locally or with a dental block, make an incision in the mucosa large enough to accommodate a quarter-inch Penrose drain.
Bluntly dissect the abscess cavity with the tips of a hemostat. Suture in the Penrose drain with a silk suture and leave until suppurative drainage is no longer present (about 2-3 d).
Deep fascial infections
Infections of the neck's deeper fascial layers and masseteric layers have a higher chance of causing impingement on the airway directly or indirectly through extreme trismus.
Tracheostomy was the prior method of choice for establishing the airway; as of recently, management through fiberoptic nasoendotracheal intubation while the patient is awake is preferred.
Various drains and incisions are used for drainage of the affected fascial space.
Other
If the patient appears systemically ill with abnormal vital signs and/or is unable to take oral medication, consider admission with further diagnostic studies and intravenous antibiotics. Infections in the various fascial spaces require incision and drainage (I&D) by the consulting physician.
If airway issues are of concern (eg, Ludwig angina, retropharyngeal abscesses), call an anesthesiologist and otolaryngologist as soon as possible to establish an airway. Ensure that equipment for an emergent cricothyroidotomy is located at the bedside until a secure airway can be established.
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