Clinical manifestations and treatment of oral and maxillofacial space infections with a third molar origin

Abstract Objective This study aimed at evaluating the clinical manifestations and therapeutic options for oral and maxillofacial space infections originating from the third molar. Methods Clinical data for 60 patients with oral and maxillofacial space infections with a third molar origin who were treated between June 2016 and December 2020 in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University were collected. Based on whether they were diabetic or not, patients were assigned into two groups: the diabetes mellitus (DM) group and the non‐DM group. The collected basic information included gender, age, systemic diseases, etiology and infected areas, whereas treatment information included antibiotic administration, length of hospitalisation, costs, bacteria and sensitivity tests as well as associated complications. Results Of the 60 patients, 36 were males while 24 were females with an age range of 21–51 years. A total of 32 patients exhibited third molar pericoronitis, whereas 26 patients had deep neck space or chest cavity infections. Compared to the non‐DM group, the length of hospital stay was relatively longer while antibiotic administration was higher in the DM group. The conformance rate of empirical antibiotic use and drug sensitivity tests was 64.9% (37/57). Conclusion DM is a risk factor for oral and maxillofacial space infections. Space infections with third molar origins are associated with serious complications. Based on patient's conditions, treatment plans should be comprehensively evaluated and personalised treatment plans formulated. Antibiotic administration by clinicians is not standardised; therefore, it is important to make adjustments depending on subsequent bacterial culture results.