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

ABSTRACT

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.