The importance of early intervention in the treatment of dental infection.

UNLABELLED: With recent reports of increasing hospital admissions relating to dental infection, the authors believe it is time to re-visit the importance of its effective early treatment. A series of three cases is used to illustrate the potentially life-threatening progression of what, in the early stages, is an easily treatable condition. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The principles of effective management of dental infection are highlighted in the first instance and then indications for specialist maxillofacial referral are discussed.