Course of infection and case outcome in individuals diagnosed with microbial colonies morphologically consistent with Actinomyces species

Actinomycosis is considered to be a rare disease in the oral region. A retrospective study of files of the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry, Department of Pathology, revealed 30 cases in which Actinomyces species were detected from the years 1982 to 2001 (28,490 specimens). Biopsy submission forms and patient records were reviewed in each of these cases with particular attention to clinical impression, subsequent treatment, and case outcome. Classic treatment for actinomycosis involves the excision of the affected area as well as long-term antibiotics. Our study indicates that antibiotics may not be necessary in treatment of the localized dental presentation of actinomycosis.