The value of early intraoral incisions in patients with perimandibular odontogenic maxillofacial abscesses

Abstract Perimandibular abscesses require drainage and removal of the underlying cause of infection. Traditionally drainage was established extraorally, but this can be associated with delay to treatment, because this is done under general anaesthesia. Between July 2008 and June 2013, 205 patients were initially either treated by immediate intraoral incision under local anaesthesia or extraoral incisions under general anaesthesia and prospectively evaluated. Predictors of treatment outcomes and complications were analysed. Fewer secondary procedures were needed for patients with primary treatment under general anaesthesia ( p