Efficacy of First Aid Treatment of Acute Apical Abscess (AAA)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Efficacy of First Aid Treatment of Acute Apical Abscess (AAA) in an NHS Emergency Clinic in the UK
IRAS ID
165278
Contact name
Scott Aaron
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
South West London Urgent Dental Care
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN14614980
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Our aim is to determine if dentists are successful in reducing pain caused by Acute Apical Abscess in an NHS Emergency setting. We would also like to quantify how much pain is reduced by. It is known from previous research that abscess should be drained, and antibiotics only prescribed in the event of systemic spread in addition to drainage. Guidelines for management of this condition have been published by amongst others the Faculty of General Dental Practitioners. However it is known that many of patients in NHS emergency dental clinics have not been treated in line with these guidelines. Reasons for this may include lack of time, perceived poor remuneration, adherence to outmoded management strategies, or perceived patient demand for “easier” medical rather than surgical management. Additionally sometimes patients will refuse recommended treatment or there will be patient specific factors making drainage not practical such us complex previous dentistry. In light of this, with good support, is it possible to achieve high levels of pain reduction for patients with Acute Apical Abscess in an NHS Emergency Clinic in the UK
REC name
London - City & East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/0193
Date of REC Opinion
9 Feb 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion