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Patient Management
.jpg "Mary Nelligan Cella, DDS, MS photo")
Mary Nelligan Cella, DDS, MS
Resident
Boston University, Boston, MA
Boston University
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Christine Chiao, DMD, MPH
Boston University
Keri Discepolo, DDS, MPH
Post Graduate Program Director of Pediatric Dentistry
Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Keri Discepolo, DDS, MPH
Post Graduate Program Director of Pediatric Dentistry
Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Title: Follow-Up Treatment after Oral Antibiotics: A Retrospective Study
Purpose: In clinical scenarios where the pediatric patient presents with symptoms of acute pulpitis, dental treatment should be rendered promptly. This study aims to determine whether pediatric patients who present with a dental problem and receive oral antibiotics return for follow-up treatment. Of primary interest in this investigation is the rate of follow-up treatment after oral antibiotics are prescribed. Of secondary interest is the association between different patient characteristics (i.e. age, dentition status, medical diagnosis) and follow-up rate.
Methods: A retrospective chart review of electronic medical records was performed of patients who presented to an urban university-affiliated hospital with a dental problem. Follow-up constituted as completion of an oral evaluation, extraction, pulpotomy, resin-based composite, pre-fabricated stainless steel crown, or incision and drainage of abscess of intraoral soft tissue. Covariates included age, gender, race/ethnicity, medical diagnosis, social determinants of health screener, and CDC Social Vulnerability Index (SVI).
Results: In the study population (n=43), 67% of participants presented for follow-up after an antibiotic was prescribed for dental infection. Of those who had a follow-up appointment, 44% received definitive treatment within 3 months. Patients with permanent tooth conditions were significantly less likely to follow-up than those with primary tooth conditions (P < 0.05).
Conclusions: Patients in the permanent dentition may be less likely to follow up for dental treatment. Additional research with a larger sample is indicated.