The course and treatment of odontogenic infections in hospital during the COVID 19 pandemic

The study aims to evaluate the clinical course, treatment approaches, and outcomes of patients hospitalized with odontogenic infections (ODI) during the SARS-COVID-19 pandemic. A retrospective analysis of patients treated in oral and maxillofacial clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data collected included patient demographics, infection severity, treatment modalities, hospital stay duration, and complications. Comparisons were made with pre-pandemic cases to assess shifts in clinical trends. During the COVID-19 pandemic, patients presented with more advanced infections compared to the pre-pandemic period. Hospital stays were longer on average (mean: 4.68 vs. 3.86 days, p = 0.001), and a higher incidence of patients with complicated medical situation was noted (elevation of 6% in the number those patients). Elevation of 16% of the admitted patients with risk factors during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the limitation of this study it is assumed that the COVID-19 pandemic led to delayed presentations and more severe ODI requiring intensive hospital-based management. These findings underscore the need for maintaining accessible emergency dental services and improving public awareness during global health crises to prevent the escalation of preventable oral infections. The manuscript results highlights the critical need for pre-emptive protocols to optimize ODI treatment during future epidemics, ensuring better patient outcomes and reducing healthcare burdens.