Dental Infections in Emergency Medicine Questions & Answers

Updated: Jan 17, 2023
  • Author: Lynnus F Peng, MD; Chief Editor: Jeff Burgess, DDS, MSD  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

What are dental infections?

What is the pathophysiology of dental infections?

What is the US prevalence of dental infections?

What is the global prevalence of dental infections?

What is the morbidity associated with dental infections?

Which patient groups are at highest risk for dental infections?

Which age groups have the highest prevalence of dental infections?

Presentation

Which clinical history findings are characteristic of dental infections?

Which physical findings are characteristic of caries in the evaluation of dental infections?

Which physical findings are characteristic of local dental infections?

Which physical findings are characteristic of mandibular dental infections?

Which physical findings are characteristic of middle and lateral facial edema?

Which physical findings are characteristic of gingivitis?

What causes dental infections?

Workup

What is the role of lab tests in the workup of dental infections?

What is the role of imaging studies in the workup of dental infections?

Treatment

How are localized dental infections treated?

How are dental infections treated?

How are deep fascial dental infections treated?

When is inpatient care indicated for the treatment of dental infections?

How are airway issues managed in the treatment of dental infections?

Which specialist consultations are beneficial to patients with dental infections?

What is the role of surgery in the treatment of dental infections?

Medications

What is the role of medications in the treatment of dental infections?

Which medications in the drug class Antibiotics are used in the treatment of Dental Infections in Emergency Medicine?

Which medications in the drug class Topical are used in the treatment of Dental Infections in Emergency Medicine?

Follow-up

Which factors increase the length of inpatient care for dental infections?

What are the guidelines on antibiotic prophylaxis for dental procedures?

What are the possible complications of dental infections?