Odontogenic Infections: Etiology and Management

Background: odontogenic infection is a common problem facing the dentist and maxillofacial surgeon in their daily practice. Objectives: To determine the involved fascial spaces, the pathogenic bacteria and their antibiotic sensitivity in order to guide clinicians in proper management of odontogenic infections. Materials and Methods: Pus samples were obtained from patients with odontogenic infections by needle aspiration or sterile swab at the time of abscess drainage. The samples were cultured aerobically and anaerobically conditions, followed by identification of bacteria using different biochemical tests and sensitivity test by disk diffusion method. Results: This study included (20) patients, (11) patients were male and (9) female. The submandibular space was the most commonly involved. A mixed facultative anaerobic and strict anaerobic growth was observed in the cultures. Viridans streptococci was the predominant bacteria (42.42%), while the least isolated bacteria was Fusobacterium spp (9.1%). The isolated bacteria were highly susceptible to azithromycin (87.87%) and least susceptible to amoxicillin (39.39%). Conclusion: Incision and drainage of involved fascial space with the removal of causative tooth and the use of appropriate antibiotic remain the ideal treatment option for odontogenic infection.