Medical Personnel Training

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 75 views

The Prevalence of Odontogenic Infections in Dr. Pirngadi Medan City in 2013-2016: A Descriptive Study

Introduction

Odontogenic infections, which originate from teeth or tooth supporting structures, are a common condition in the practice of oral and maxillofacial surgery. These infections can cause serious challenges in their management, even though they can be treated with minor surgical procedures and medical therapy. Therefore, it is crucial for dentists to be aware of the potential development of this infection that can quickly worsen and threaten the lives of patients. This study aims to analyze the prevalence of odontogenic infections, particularly primary mandibular spasia in the lower jaw, based on the age and sex of the patient who is treated at Dr. Pirngadi, Medan City, during the 2013-2016 period.

Methodology

This study employed a descriptive survey method, using the total sampling technique, which involves the recording of secondary data from the medical record of all patients with odontogenic infections in accordance with inclusion and exclusion criteria. The data collected was analyzed to determine the prevalence of odontogenic infections in Dr. Pirngadi, Medan City, during the 2013-2016 period.

Results

The results of this study indicate that the highest prevalence of odontogenic infections in Dr. Pirngadi reached 47 patients, or 58% of the total data analyzed. The early elderly age group (46-55 years) recorded the highest number of cases, namely 11 cases or 23.40%. Meanwhile, the late teenager group (17-25 years) ranks second with 9 cases or 19.15%. In terms of sex, odontogenic infections occur more in men with a total of 28 patients, which is equivalent to 59.6%. Related to the most frequently affected spasia, submandibular spasia dominates with 40 patients or 85%.

Analysis and Explanation

This phenomenon shows that odontogenic infection is not only a problem of dental health, but also reflects the demographic and social aspects of the affected population. The high prevalence in the elderly age group may be related to reduced endurance and increased dental health problems that often occur as we get older. Meanwhile, high cases in the final teenage group may be influenced by poor dental health habits among them, such as lack of awareness of the importance of dental care.

Disparity between sex is also interesting to be analyzed. The majority of cases that occur in men may be related to behavioral factors, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, which is known to increase the risk of dental and oral problems. In addition, the difference in the search for medical care between men and women can also affect this result.

The submandibular condition that is most often affected is a natural thing, considering this location is an area that is often exposed to infections from lower teeth. This emphasizes the importance of proper monitoring and handling of infections in this area, in order to prevent further complications.

Conclusion

From the results of this study, it can be concluded that odontogenic infections are a significant health problem in Dr. Pirngadi, with a prevalence that needs special attention from medical personnel. With this research, it is expected to increase public awareness of the importance of dental care and encourage preventive steps in reducing the incidence of odontogenic infections in the future.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Public Awareness: Public awareness campaigns should be conducted to educate the community about the importance of dental care and the risks associated with odontogenic infections.
Preventive Measures: Preventive measures, such as regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene practices, should be encouraged to reduce the incidence of odontogenic infections.
Medical Personnel Training: Medical personnel, particularly dentists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons, should be trained to recognize and manage odontogenic infections effectively.
Research and Development: Further research and development are needed to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of odontogenic infections.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

Sample Size: The sample size of this study was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Data Collection: The data collected was based on secondary data from medical records, which may be subject to errors or biases.
Study Period: The study period was limited to 2013-2016, which may not reflect the current prevalence of odontogenic infections in Dr. Pirngadi, Medan City.

Future Directions

Future studies should aim to:

Increase Sample Size: Increase the sample size to improve the generalizability of the findings.
Improve Data Collection: Improve data collection methods to reduce errors and biases.
Expand Study Period: Expand the study period to reflect the current prevalence of odontogenic infections in Dr. Pirngadi, Medan City.
Investigate Risk Factors: Investigate risk factors associated with odontogenic infections, such as smoking and alcohol consumption.

By addressing these limitations and future directions, this study can contribute to a better understanding of the prevalence of odontogenic infections in Dr. Pirngadi, Medan City, and inform strategies to reduce the incidence of these infections.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Odontogenic Infections

Q: What is an odontogenic infection?

A: An odontogenic infection is an infection that originates from teeth or tooth supporting structures, such as the gums, bone, or surrounding tissues.

Q: What are the common symptoms of odontogenic infections?

A: Common symptoms of odontogenic infections include:

Pain or tenderness in the affected tooth or surrounding tissues
Swelling or redness in the face or neck
Fever or chills
Difficulty swallowing or breathing
Bad breath or a foul odor

Q: What are the risk factors for developing odontogenic infections?

A: Risk factors for developing odontogenic infections include:

Poor oral hygiene
Smoking or tobacco use
Alcohol consumption
Diabetes or other underlying medical conditions
Weakened immune system

Q: How are odontogenic infections diagnosed?

A: Odontogenic infections are typically diagnosed through a combination of:

Physical examination
Medical history
Imaging studies (such as X-rays or CT scans)
Laboratory tests (such as blood cultures or bacterial cultures)

Q: What are the treatment options for odontogenic infections?

A: Treatment options for odontogenic infections include:

Antibiotics to treat bacterial infections
Pain management medications to alleviate pain and discomfort
Drainage or surgical procedures to remove infected tissue or abscesses
Rest and relaxation to allow the body to recover

Q: Can odontogenic infections be prevented?

A: Yes, odontogenic infections can be prevented through:

Regular dental check-ups and cleanings
Good oral hygiene practices (such as brushing and flossing)
Avoiding tobacco and alcohol use
Managing underlying medical conditions (such as diabetes)
Practicing good hygiene and avoiding close contact with people who have odontogenic infections

Q: What are the complications of untreated odontogenic infections?

A: Untreated odontogenic infections can lead to:

Spread of infection to surrounding tissues or organs
Abscess formation or cellulitis
Septicemia (blood infection)
Meningitis or other life-threatening conditions

Q: How can I reduce my risk of developing odontogenic infections?

A: To reduce your risk of developing odontogenic infections, follow these tips:

Practice good oral hygiene
Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings
Avoid tobacco and alcohol use
Manage underlying medical conditions
Get enough rest and relaxation to keep your immune system strong

Q: What should I do if I suspect I have an odontogenic infection?

A: If you suspect you have an odontogenic infection, seek medical attention immediately. Contact your dentist or healthcare provider for guidance and treatment.

Q: Can I treat odontogenic infections at home?

A: No, odontogenic infections should not be treated at home. Antibiotics and other medications may be prescribed by a healthcare provider to treat the infection. In some cases, surgical procedures may be necessary to remove infected tissue or abscesses.

Q: How long does it take to recover from an odontogenic infection?

A: Recovery time from an odontogenic infection can vary depending on the severity of the infection and the effectiveness of treatment. In general, it can take several days to several weeks to recover from an odontogenic infection.