The financial burden of acute odontogenic infections: the South Australian experience

Abstract

Background Acute odontogenic infections are a common surgical emergency managed by public hospitals in Australia which cause considerable patient morbidity and occasionally, mortality. Despite posing a significant public health burden, Australian data evaluating the cost of the management of these patients are lacking. This study assessed the patient and treatment variables associated with inpatient management of deep odontogenic infections, and their respective financial impact, at a statewide Oral & Maxillofacial service. Methods A retrospective audit was carried out of patients with deep odontogenic infections at our institution, over a 7‐year period. The primary outcome was the total cost of admission. Secondary outcomes included treatment received, operating room time, return‐to‐theatre, length of admission (LOS), and intensive care unit (ICU) use. Cost variables were assessed against the total LOS and ICU use to determine clinical predictors affecting outcome. Results Four hundred and sixty two patients met the inclusion criteria. The average cost per patient was $12 228 Australian Dollars. After multivariate analysis, variables most significantly associated with increased cost of care and LOS were high‐risk infections with airway compromise, high admission white cell count and age. Conclusion Hospital‐based management of deep‐space odontogenic infections engender significant costs compared to early primary care intervention such as a dental extraction ($181/extraction).

A Five-Year Retrospective Study of 746 Cases with Maxillofacial Space Infection in Western China

“…After abscess incision and drainage, patients still need ongoing symptomatic treatment, and long hospitalization times place a heavy burden both on patients and social security. [19][20][21] Our data shows that with an average hospitalization time of 9 days, patients aged >60 years were 3.784 times more likely to have a longer hospitalization than those aged ≤18 years (Table 5), possibly due to age-related changes in patients' health condition. 1,22,23 Older patients with systemic diseases are more likely to obtain poor therapeutic effect, a long treatment cycle, and greater possibility of serious complications.…”

Dental abscess: A potential cause of death and morbidity

“…-Have they had previous antibiotics and did these follow the guidelines? 12 -Why have they not seen a dentist?…”

“…This needs to be compared with the average cost of a single tooth extraction in private dental practice, which is $181 (125 times less expensive). 12…”

Dental Infection Requiring Hospitalisation Is a Public Health Problem in Australia: A Systematic Review Demonstrating an Urgent Need for Published Data

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