[Tooth extraction in cases of dental abscess].
BACKGROUND
Surgical relief and drainage as well as adjunct medicinal and physical therapy of dental abscesses are indisputable treatment options. It is currently controversial at what time the tooth extraction should take place. The aim of this study was to determine whether there are differences in treatment success depending on the time of tooth extraction.


METHODS
A randomized patient sample (n=177) from two clinics was examined that differed in the therapy only regarding the time of tooth extraction. Post-surgical complications, inpatient care, duration of surgeries and incidents during anesthesia were examined.


RESULTS
Statistically significant differences for inpatient care were impressive. done Abscess incision and tooth extraction performed simultaneously led to an average hospital stay of 8 days compared to 11 days when done at two different times. Duration of surgeries was also significantly shorter for the single procedure. Post-surgical complications only occurred in 2-4% of all cases.


CONCLUSIONS
Opinions expressed in the literature include complete refusal to do tooth extraction immediately, or extraction of the causal teeth while providing antibiotic protection or even complete support of immediate extraction. Considering all factors, this study supports a single procedure with a shorter duration of hospital stays depending on local, personnel and logistical circumstances, especially regarding the forthcoming introduction of the DRGs.
Steffens
R
R
Klinik für Mund-, Kiefer- und Gesichtschirurgie, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn. steffens.mkg@uni-bonn.de
Martini
M
M
Rodemer
H
H
Berge
S J
SJ
D000328:Adult; D004322:Drainage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D010482:Periapical Abscess / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D012086:Reoperation; D013997:Time Factors; D014081:Tooth Extraction