Abstract

CAMARGOS, Felipe da Mata et al. Severe odontogenic infections and its epidemiological profile. Rev. cir. traumatol. buco-maxilo-fac. [online]. 2016, vol.16, n.2, pp. 25-30. ISSN 1808-5210.

Severe odontogenic infections are those that spread to spaces underlying facial and may cause severe complications such as Ludwig's angina. Early diagnosis and precise evaluation of complications is extremely important for successful treatment. The objective of this study was to understand the epidemiology of 50 patients admitted with severe odontogenic infection in a public hospital in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais within one year. Among them, 26 were women and 24 men, with a mean age of 31.04 years. The hospital stay averaged 6.9 days and the interval between the onset of infection and hospitalization was 4.80 days on average. Only 6% were diabetic patients. In 56%, the causing teeth were second and third molars. A total of 54% had low income, but only 4% were illiterate. Among the patients, 47 had used some kind of drug prior to the time of hospitalization and 32.0% reported having self-medicated. It was concluded that the odontogenic infection can affect individuals of different age groups, regardless of gender, economic class or education level. The prevention and early treatment of cases are the best treatment strategy.

Keywords : Epidemiology; Dental focal infection; Dentistry..