Journal of Oral Hygiene & Health
Open Access

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the review medical records from patients who had maxillofacial infections between January 2008 and January 2016. Methods: Retrospective analysis of 91 patients: 51 males (56%) and 40 females (44%) admitted to Ali Omar Askar (AOA) University hospital for Neurosurgery, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery department, Esbea, Tripoli Libya was carried out. Epidemiology, type, causes of infection treatment carried out and complications were discussed. Results: A total of 91 patients with maxillofacial infection of which 51 were male (56%), 40 females (44%) were analyzed. 85 patients had odontogenic infections (93%): 45 males (52.9%) & 40 females (47.1%), and 6 had non-odontogenic infections (7%). The odontogenic infections occurred mostly at the mandible and its associated spaces: 74 cases (87%) involving the posterior teeth (82%). The main cause was dental caries: 80 cases (94%). The most commonly affected facial anatomic region was the submandibular duct in 39 cases (45.9%). Surgical treatment was required in all the cases. Conclusions: Maxillofacial infections require proper urgent treatment, to avoid complications, which can be serious. Their management is primarily surgical (incision, drainage with extraction of offending tooth as required which require skilled anaesthetic airway management. Immediate admission, monitoring vital signs and high doses of antibiotics, with intravenous fluids for rehydration are required. Complications: Mediastinitis and cavernous sinus thrombosis were reported in two cases.

Biography

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