Endodontic Infections Requiring Hospitalization: Absolute Risk Estimations Based on Data From Two Swedish Populations

Knowledge of the link between oral conditions and odontogenic infections requiring hospitalization is limited. This study examines the variables associated with hospitalization due to odontogenic infections and calculates the risk for hospitalization for specific endodontic conditions.

Consecutive patients hospitalized over 9 years in a Swedish region for odontogenic infections were included. Patient records and previous dental treatments were reviewed. Descriptive statistics were used, and the population was compared with control data from government statistics, national health registries, and other Swedish studies. Absolute risks for hospitalization due to endodontic conditions were calculated.

The sample study included 97 patients (mean age 47.03, 52 males). Hospitalized individuals were more often smokers and had psychiatric diagnoses (P = .001). Most hospitalizations (80%) were due to odontogenic infections originating from the mandibular molar region, with nearly half (49.5%) linked to endodontic infections. The absolute risk for primary apical periodontitis (AP)was 20.2 hospitalizations per 100,000 individuals/year, whereas the absolute risk for secondary AP (ie, root-filled tooth and AP) was 0.7 per 100,000 individuals/year. The risk of hospitalization following root canal treatment was 30 per 100,000 treatments.

Hospitalization due to odontogenic infections remains rare. However, the risk of hospitalization increases in patients with mandibular molar infections and who smoke, have specific diagnosed mental health disorders, or seek dental care only during acute situations.