An outcome audit of three day antimicrobial prescribing for the acute dentoalveolar abscess.

OBJECTIVE: An audit to ascertain the effectiveness of drainage combined with a three day standard dose antimicrobial regime for patients with acute dentoalveolar abscess and associated systemic symptoms.
METHOD: Patients attending the Primary Care Department at Bristol Dental Hospital with an acute dentoalveolar abscess associated with systemic involvement underwent drainage and removal of the cause of their infection, followed by a three day course of antibiotics. The antibiotic issued was of standard dosage and the choice of antibiotic prescribed varied depending on the type of infection present. The patients were followed up by either telephone or clinical review.
RESULTS: From a sample size of 188 patients, an overall review was obtained for 80.3% of patients. When departmental guidelines were followed all reviewed patients achieved a successful outcome. An overall antibiotic prescribing rate of 2.9% was achieved for adult patients attending the emergency department in pain.
CONCLUSION: Following drainage and removal of the cause of infection, a three day standard dose antibiotic regime was effective in the management of the acute dentoalveolar abscess in all reviewed patients showing associated signs of systemic symptoms.