Management of dental infections by medical practitioners.

BACKGROUND Patients with dental infections frequently present to primary care practitioners such as emergency physicians or general practitioners. It is important for these healthcare professionals to understand how to assess and treat such conditions, including when to refer and to whom. OBJECTIVE This article aims to cover basic principles of managing patients with dental infections who present to emergency departments or general practice surgeries. DISCUSSION Maxillofacial surgeons frequently see serious cases of facial and neck infections that can easily be prevented if appropriately managed early.