ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE: STUDY OF PREVALENCE OF ODONTOGENIC DEEP NECK SPACE INFECTIONS: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF 50 CASES

Objectives: This study was conducted to find out the prevalence, distribution, presentation, sites involved, bacteriology, and management of odontogenic deep neck space infections (DNSIs). Methods: Between March 2023 and February 2025, 50 DNSI patients participated in this retrospective analysis. The prevalence of odontogenic DNSI was then determined after an analysis of the etiological variables of DNSIs. Every factor was examined, including bacteriology, age, sex, co-morbidities, presentation, site, and necessary interventions in cases with odontogenic DNSIs. Results: In majority of the cases etiological factor was odontogenic in origin (19 patients, 38%), followed by tonsillopharyngitis (30.0%), and infected lymphadenopathy (10%). Hence, the prevalence of odontogenic DNSIs was found as 38%. Out of these 19 patients of odontogenic DNSI, males were (57.69%) and females were (42.31%). Toothache was the most common symptom found in all 19 patients (100.0%), followed by neck swelling in 15 patients (78.95%), neck pain and odynophagia each in 12 patients (63.16%), fever in 14 patients (73.68%). The submandibular abscess was the most common clinical presentation of neck abscess in 8 odontogenic DNSIs patients (42.10%) followed by Ludwig’s angina in 5 patients (26.31%). In terms of management incision and drainage, needle aspiration or both were done in 16 patients (84.21%). 3 patients (15.78%) were managed by medical treatment alone. All 19 patients were given broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics which were later changed based on culture and sensitivity reports. One patient (5.26%) required emergency tracheostomy for airway management. Conclusion: Based on our research, there has been a clear upward trend in the number of DNSI’s reported annually reported annually. Dental infections and other oral health issues are increasingly contributing to this rise. This highlights the importance of raising public awareness about proper oral and dental hygiene, as well as encouraging regular dental check-ups to catch infections early. Timely diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial to prevent complications and ensure better outcomes.