【CTT】評論

Management of odontogenic infections involves three factors: (1) controlling the source of the infection, (2) establishing drainage, and (3) mobilizing the host defense system. The practitioner’s predominant role is to maximize control of the first two factors to allow the host defense system to take over and combat the infection. This involves elimination of the source of the infection and providing drainage of any accumulated infection. As long as the source of the infection (i.e., endodontically or periodontally involved tooth) is present, permanent resolution will never occur. Likewise, if a significant bacterial load (>105 colony-forming units/ mL) is present in the form of a collection of purulence or cellulitis, the host defense system may not be able to overcome the infection. It is therefore of paramount importance to understand that manage- ment of odontogenic infections is primarily surgical in nature. In other words, odontogenic infections are managed primarily with removal of the etiology and surgical incision and drainage, and antibiotics should not be regarded as the primary or sole form of treatment for infections.