Evaluation of Abscess of Odontogenic Origin: A Retrospective Study

Objectives:This study aimed to investigate the influence of various demographic, clinical, radiographic, and behavioral factors—such as age, gender, systemic conditions, oral hygiene status, and risk habits like smoking and alcohol consumption—on the treatment approaches adopted for odontogenic abscesses. The objective was to identify which factors are significantly associated with the selection of conservative versus invasive management strategies in clinical practice.Materials and Methods:This retrospective study included 23 patients (aged 18–70) treated for odontogenic abscesses at the Department of Oral Surgery, Ege University, between May 2023 and April 2024. Data on demographics, symptom duration, systemic health, clinical and radiographic findings, and behavioral risk factors were collected. Treatment modalities -antibiotic use, drainage, extraction, pulpectomy, and endodontic therapy- were analyzed. Statistical comparisons were performed using Chi-square, Fisher’s exact, Mann-Whitney U, and Kruskal-Wallis tests.Results:Antibiotics were prescribed in 78.3% of cases, while 60.9% underwent tooth extraction, 30.4% required drainage, and 39.1% received endodontic treatment. Symptom duration showed a statistically significant association with endodontic treatment (p = 0.05), with shorter durations favoring conservative therapy. No significant associations were observed for other variables, except for a correlation between alcohol consumption and antibiotic use (p = 0.006).Conclusion:Symptom duration is a key factor influencing the choice of conservative versus invasive treatment in odontogenic abscesses. Although most demographic and clinical variables were not statistically significant, early presentation may allow for tooth-preserving approaches.