Dento-Alveolar Abscess in a Group of Nigerian Children

Abstract

Background: Dento-alveolar abscess is a clinical condition commonly seen in the dental clinic. It is associated with pus formation in the tooth and the surrounding alveolar bone. The study aimed to determine the prevalence and pattern of dento-alveolar abscess in a group of Nigerian children attending a pediatric dental clinic.

Methods: This was a retrospective study of children with dento-alveolar abscesses who attended the pediatric dental clinic of University of Nigeria Teaching hospital, Enugu, from January 2015 to December, 2015. Their case notes were retrieved and information on socio-demographic profile, an etiology, tooth/teeth involved, dental visit history, and definitive treatment given were obtained and analyzed.

Results: Twenty one (9.1%) out of 231 children seen within the study period had dento-alveolar abscess and 24 teeth were involved. More females 66.7% (14/21) than males 33.3 %( 7/21) had dento-alveolar abscess. Dento-alveolar abscess occurred mostly in children aged 6-9 years 57.1% (12/21) and dental caries 70.8 % (17/24) was the main etiological factor. Most 76.2% (16/21) of the study participants were first dental clinic attendees. The lower first and second primary molars were mostly affected 25.0 % (6/24) respectively and pulpectomy 58.3 % (14/24) was the commonest definitive treatment given.

Conclusion: The prevalence of dento-alveolar abscess was low in the study population and dental caries was the main an etiological factor. There is a need to increase awareness on preventive dental visits by children.