Emergency management of maxillofacial infections: a retrospective evaluation of treatment protocols and patient outcomes in dental practices

Penanganan darurat infeksi maksilofasial: evaluasi retrospektif terhadap protokol pengobatan dan hasil perawatan di praktik kedokteran gigi

Abstract

Maxillofacial infections pose significant challenges in the management of dental emergencies, particularly when accompanied by airway obstruction and se-vere bleeding. Rapid and effective management is crucial for improving treatment outcomes in life-threatening situations. This article investigates the proto-cols followed by dental professionals in managing maxillofacial infections, focusing on airway management, infection control, and facial trauma stabilisation, as well as their outcomes. This retrospective observational study analysed data from 50 dental professionals working in various healthcare settings. Treatment me-thods, including the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) protocol, imaging techniques, and infection control measures, were evaluated for their effective-ness in stabilising patients. A total of 90% of patients experienced airway obstruction requiring immediate intervention, and 80% had infections in the subman-dibular and sublingual spaces. The ATLS protocol was applied in all cases, focusing on airway management and infection control; a high success rate of 85% was achieved in stabilisation, whilst 70% of cases required referral to a specialist care facility for surgical intervention. It was concluded that effective mana-gement of maxillofacial infections requires timely airway intervention and infection control measures. The implementation of the ATLS protocol at all levels of care is crucial for successful patient outcomes.