Focal Infection in Dentistry

Focal Infection Definition

 * Any infection focused, localized somewhere in the body which is a potential threat for spreading to other areas such as downwards towards the mediastinum or upwards into the brain.

Focal Infection

 * Necrotic pulp
 * Gangrenous pulp
 * Periapical lesion, granuloma or cyst
 * Chronic marginal gingivitis
 * Chronic marginal periodontitis
 * Paranasal sinuses inflammation

Infectious Agents

 * Bacteria
 * Toxins (of bacteria)
 * Immunocomplexes

Risk Groups

 * Immunosupressed patients
 * organ transplantation
 * HIV
 * Cancer
 * Prosthetic heart valves
 * Hip replacement
 * Heart surgery

Treatment Options

 * The major factor that determines our treatment is the time that the patient comes
 * 1) If the patient comes two to three weeks before surgery → EXTRACTION
 * 2) If we have adequate time we treat the patient (e.g. endodontic treatment)