Characteristics and cost impact of severe odontogenic infections.

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to retrospectively analyze the clinical presentation, surgical management, and cost implications of inpatients treated for odontogenic infections at a public tertiary care hospital. STUDY DESIGN Specific analysis from 3 years of chart review included length of stay, cost of hospitalization, site of infection, number of infected spaces, microbiology profile, antibiotics administered, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, number of days intubated, comorbidities, number of operating room visits, imaging studies, and whether the patients received preadmission treatment. RESULTS Multiple fascial spaces were involved in most of the infections. The average length of stay was 4.57 days and average time in the ICU was 3.1 days. Ninety percent of the patients had a coexisting medical comorbidity. The overall hospital costs totaled $749,382 averaging $17,842 per person. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals a staggering cost burden on a public health care facility as a result of odontogenic infections.