As a result of an increase in virulent organisms and the inappropriate use and abuse of antibiotics, the occurrence of odontogenic infections and their treatment can be difficult and puzzling to the dentist. To properly treat the patient who presents or develops an infection, the practitioner must establish the correct diagnosis. Key to this is having an optimal knowledge base with regard to: 1) host – organism relationships; 2) anatomy of potential spaces involved; and 3) the impact of the patient’s medical status. Once the appropriate diagnosis is established, a course of treatment can be instituted. This can involve surgical intervention, chemotherapeutic agents, or in many cases, a combination.

A brief history and description of the nature and development of electrosurgery/radiosurgery is given at the onset of this discussion.