Cost and length of hospitalization associated with dental infections: a systematic review

Highlights: Public health relevance—How does this work relate to a public health issue? Dental infections are a major cause of potentially preventable hospital admissions, contributing substantially to healthcare utilization and costs worldwide. This systematic review synthesizes global evidence on hospital length of stay and financial burden associated with dental infection–related hospitalizations. Public health significance—Why is this work of significance to public health? The review demonstrates wide variability in hospital length of stay (1.15–10 days) and costs (AUD 2,402 to USD 47,835.60), highlighting a significant and growing strain on healthcare systems. Findings emphasize dental infections as an under-recognized public health issue with serious economic and clinical consequences. Public health implications—What are the key implications or messages for practitioners, policy makers and/or researchers in public health? Strengthening preventive dental care, early intervention, and timely access to treatment could substantially reduce avoidable hospitalizations and healthcare expenditure. Policymakers and healthcare planners should prioritize oral health within public health strategies to mitigate the clinical and economic burden of severe dental infections. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the cost of hospitalization and length of stay (LOS) associated with dental infections and their impact on healthcare resources. Materials and Methods: Web of Science, Medline via Ovid, and Google Scholar were searched for articles published from 2013 to 2023 using relevant MeSH terms. A descriptive summary was produced to describe study characteristics, and selected studies were analyzed to evaluate financial implications and hospitalization outcomes. Results: After removing duplicates, 125 articles were screened, with 25 read in full and 9 excluded. Sixteen retrospective studies were included, encompassing 156,487 patients. Hospital length of stay ranged from 1.15 to 10 days, and hospitalization costs ranged from AUD 2402 to USD 47,836.60. Variability in outcomes appeared to be influenced by infection severity, healthcare infrastructure, and geographic setting. Conclusions: Dental infections impose a substantial and variable burden on healthcare systems. These findings emphasize the need for timely intervention, preventive strategies, and standardized management protocols to reduce clinical complications and financial strain on healthcare services.