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Dental Infection

Alicia Leandra Olowu, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Reviewed 04/2024
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Pain ± swelling in the head and neck region with odontogenic (teeth and supporting structures) origin of infection. If left untreated, can lead to serious and potentially life-threat...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Pain of involved tooth; can be referred to ears, jaw, cheek, neck, or sinuses; unexplained headaches

  • Hot/cold sensitivity

  • Pain can be unprovoked, intermittent, and/or constant.

  • Pain with...

TREATMENT

  • Early disease (gingivitis, periodontitis) does not typically warrant antibiotic use.

  • Antibiotics should be prescribed for acute infections with local/systemic spread or when drainage/debridem...

ONGOING CARE

Educate regarding proper oral hygiene, need for follow-up dental care, and potential medical complications that arise due to lack of dental care. 

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Follow up with o...

REFERENCES

1
Oberoi SS, Dhingra C, Sharma G, et al. Antibiotics in dental practice: how justified are we. Int Dent J. 2015;65(1):4-10
2
Fleming E, Afful J. Prevalence of total and untreated dental caries...

ADDITIONAL READING

Clark MB, Douglass AB, Maier R, et al.  Smiles for Life: A National Oral Health Curriculum. 3rd ed. Leawood, KS: Society of Teachers of Family Medicine; 2010.  ...

CODES

ICD10

  • K02.9 Dental caries, unspecified

  • K04.7 Periapical abscess without sinus

  • K12.2 Cellulitis and abscess of mouth

  • K05.6 Periodontal disease, unspecified

SNOMED

  • 427898007 infection of tooth (disorder...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Do not ignore tooth pain.

  • Treat patients with local signs of soft tissue infection aggressively because infections can spread quickly, leading to significant morbidity or even death.

  • Pre...

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