The changing face of odontogenic infections

Purpose: The purpose of this investigation was to compare characteristics of patients hospitalized with odontogenic infections during the 1980s to those of the 1990s. Patients and Methods: This study was a retrospective record review that compared 2 cohorts of patients admitted to the same institution during two 81-month periods, one decade apart. Admission criteria were face or neck swelling suggesting abscess or cellulitis and one or more of the following: temperature above 38°C, white blood cell (WBC) count greater than 10.8 × 103/μL, or concern about airway compromise. Characteristics reviewed were age, gender, race, admission temperature, admission WBC count, fascial space(s) involved, tooth of etiology, duration of hospitalization, and bacteria isolated. Data were compared for statistical significance (P