Dental abscess

Over the years, the dental profession has made significant improvements in the prevention and early treatment of odontogenic infections. As a consequence, the overall incidence, severity, and morbidity of these infections has decreased.

The vast majority of otherwise healthy patients presenting with a dental infection can be managed on an outpatient basis. These patients respond quickly to definitive operative intervention with removal of the source of the infection, along with supportive care and antibiotic therapy as indicated.

Providing the potential sources for infection have been eliminated, the long-term prognosis is good and the potential for recurrence is low. However, many patients with poor oral care habits have multiple areas of decay and generalized periodontal involvement; therefore, even if the immediate source of infection is removed, without definitive dental care and improved oral hygiene they are at high risk for recurrent periapical or periodontal abscesses/infections.