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Abstract

Dental infections can cause serious morbidity and mortality even with modern medical improvements. When infections from tooth pulp rupture cortical plate and move via fascial channels, they can spread through bone or periodontal tissues and result in potentially fatal consequences. Objective: To determine  frequency of increased levels of C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and Total Leukocyte Count (TLC) and mean change in CRP and TLC during the course of treatment in Odontogenic fascial space infection. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in OMFS department at PIMS, involving patients with odontogenic infections. Blood samples were taken before and at specified intervals to monitor CRP and TLC levels such as before Incision and Drainage (I&D) and post I&D (after two hours of meal at 1st , 2nd, 3rd, and 7th d post I&D Day. Using SPSS Version 23.0, frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations were measured to examine both quantitative and qualitative data. Results: There were 43 (55%) females and 35 (45%) males with a mean age of 39.17 ± 14.68 years. 17% showed elevated CRP levels and 12% presented with elevated TLC levels after seven days of follow-up. Pearson correlation was significant preoperatively and on 1st and the 2nd day Postoperatively as P value was 0.000. Conclusions: This study highlighted importance of monitoring CRP and TLC levels in odontogenic maxillofacial infections, both markers indicate inflammation. CRP is more sensitive than TLC during treatment, making it  valuable tool for postoperative assessment.