Impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on odontogenic infections in maxillofacial surgery

Background This study investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the distribution, characteristics, and treatment of odontogenic infections (OI) in a cranio-maxillofacial hospital, comparing data from pre-covid (PC) and intra-covid (IC) periods. Materials and methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 194 patients treated for OIs from February 2019 to January 2021. Patients were categorized into two cohorts: PC (02/2019 - 01/2020) and IC (02/2020 - 01/2021). Data collected included demographics, infection types, symptoms, pre-existing conditions, treatments, length of hospital stay, and time from symptom onset to treatment. Results The IC cohort exhibited a significant increase in submandibular (13.9% to 26.7%) and floor of mouth abscesses (6.5% to 18.6%). Patients in the IC period were more likely to present with fever (69.8% vs. 36.1%, p < 0.001) and dyspnea (48.8% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.029). Additionally, there was an increase in multi-space infections (7.4% to 22.1%) and higher inflammatory markers, with leukocyte counts rising from 12.51 x 10<^>9/l to 15.41 x 10<^>9/l (p < 0.001). The mean length of stay in the hospital also increased significantly from 3.24 days to 8.01 days (p < 0.001). Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered the landscape of OIs in oral and maxillofacial surgery, leading to more severe presentations, prolonged treatment durations, and increased hospital admissions. These findings underscore the necessity for improved public health strategies to ensure timely access to dental care during health crises. Enhanced awareness and proactive management are essential to mitigate the long-term impact of the aforementioned disruptions on patient outcomes.