Dental Abscess: The Contribution Role of Dentist, Pharmacist, and Nursing for Infection Management

Abstract

Background: Dental abscesses are periapical infections that develop due to untreated dental caries, trauma, or failed dental procedures. They present significant risks, including severe pain and potentially life-threatening complications, such as deep neck infections. Effective management requires a multidisciplinary approach involving dentists, pharmacists, and nurses.

Aim: To evaluate the etiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, and management strategies for dental abscesses, emphasizing the collaborative roles of dentist, pharmacist, and nursing in infection control.

Methods: A comprehensive review was conducted, exploring the etiology, epidemiology, and pathophysiology of dental abscesses. Diagnostic evaluations, imaging modalities, and management strategies, including pharmacological interventions, were examined. The contribution of dentists, pharmacists, and nurses in patient care and education was highlighted.

Results: Dental abscesses commonly result from bacterial invasion due to compromised enamel integrity. Prevalence is high among individuals with poor oral hygiene, limited dental care access, or systemic vulnerabilities. Diagnostic tools such as imaging and laboratory tests are critical for determining infection severity. Management involves abscess drainage, antibiotics, and targeted education. Penicillin-based therapies, often combined with metronidazole, remain standard; however, resistance has necessitated broader-spectrum alternatives like amoxicillin-clavulanate and clindamycin.

Conclusion: Dental abscess management requires timely interventions, a tailored antibiotic regimen, and patient education on oral hygiene. Addressing systemic disparities in dental care access is critical to reducing the prevalence and complications of abscesses. Collaborative efforts among healthcare professionals ensure effective treatment and prevention.