Oral infections - bacteria and spread Flashcards
What are the classical signs of acute inflammation?
Swelling Redness Pain or tenderness Heat Loss of function May also be systemic signs such as pyrexia, malaise, regional lymphadenopathy
What is an abscess?
A pus filled pathological cavity
Forms as part of the inflammatory response to acute infection
Acute exacerbations of chronic inflammation can also occur, followed by periods of quiescence
How to treat an abscess?
Drain it
How to differentiate abscesses and cellulitis?
Fluctuance to gentle palpation
2 fingers either side of swelling, press in the middle, if filled with fluid = it will bounce to other fingers = fluctuance
If no fluctuance = feels hard or does not bounce = cellulitis is present = does NOT need drainage
Radiographs to diagnose abscesses?
Diagnosis of an acute dentoalveolar abscess = usually by clinical means
Radiographs do not typically show any change in the periapical tissues
May be bcos it takes 10 days for sufficient bone loss to occur to be detectable on an intra-oral film
What is the earliest radiological sign of abscesses?
Widening of the periodontal ligament space, followed by loss of a normal lamina dura of the socket
Where does pus present from an apical abscess?
Pus from an acute dentoalveolar abscess takes the track of least resistance through the bone and to the nearest epithelial surface
Usually on the buccal aspect of the mx/md alveolus where the bone is thinnest
(but can be palatally/lingually)
Treatment principles of acute infection - general measures?
General measures:
- Admission to hospital if systemically unwell (malaise, pyrexia, tachycardia, hypotension) = need IV antibiotics, surgical drainage — NSAIDs for pain relief
- Analgesia
- Control of infection - typically amoxicillin and metronidazole are used in combo (changes made depending on microbiological results)
Treatment principles of acute infection - local measures?
Local measures:
- Removal of the cause but can be easier to drain and prevent spread in the acute phase (e.g. extraction of non-vital or hopeless prog tooth, foreign bodies, salivary calculi)
- Drainage - surgical incision
- Prevention of spread e.g. antibiotics
- Restoration of function when things settle
What indicates pus formation?
Reddening, fluctuance and a point of maximum tenderness
How to drain an abscess?
Adequate anaesthesia - 2% lignocaine with adrenaline injected into the overlying mucosa, not into the abscess cavity
Horizontal incision parallel to the occlusal surface of the teeth 1-2cm in length (remember local anatomy - nerves)
Use a no 11 blade held backwards with an upwards sweep
Open abscess cavity with artery forceps to get more drainage
Hot salt M/W to encourage pus to drain
When may drainage through an incision not be suitable?
When pus has to pass through several tissues planes to escape e.g. deep neck abscesses, you can insert a drain into the abscess cavity with is exteriorized into the mouth or onto the skin surface
How to prevent spread of infection?
Drainage, use of antimicrobials and rest (difficult in orofacial region, but trismus can help it)
Why review the pt post tx of abscess?
Review pt after the acute phase to ensure things have settled and function has been restored
Sometimes trismus can persist `and need for tx e.g. therabite
Typical bacteria causing abscesses?
Black pigmented anaerobes Fusoacterium Anaerobic cocci Streptococcus Non-pigmented anaerobes Eubacterium Spirochaetes
Periodontal abscess symptoms?
Pain
Swelling - small localised to diffuse
Lymphadenopathy and fever
Facial or neck cellulitis rare
What can cause a periodontal abscess?
Tooth usually vital
- Pre-existing periodontal pockets that become occluded (foreign body)
- Trauma to periodontium
- 2ndry infection of lateral periodontal cyst
Periodontal abscess - radiological features and microbial aetiology?
Radiolucency on lateral aspect of root
Microbial aetiology - same as chronic perio and candida
When can multiple perio abscesses occur?
Multiple perio abscesses seen in poorly controlled diabetes
Tx of periodontal abscesses?
Drain and debride
Streptococcal gingivostomatitis?
Rare in non-compromised hosts
- Most frequently follows tonsillitis
Severe inflammation of gingivae with pain
What causes Streptococcal gingivostomatitis? Complications of this?
Caused by Strep pyogenes
Complications:
- Fasciitis, tissue destruction, rheumatic heart disease, nephritis
Streptococcal gingivostomatitis treatment?
Penicillin
Acute ulcerative gingivitis risk factors?
Poor OH, smoking, stress