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The swollen face. Severe odontogenic infections
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America
|September 1, 2000
Summary
Serious odontogenic infections, though less common, still pose risks. This review details clinical presentation, anatomy, and treatment for emergency practitioners managing facial swelling or limited mouth opening due to dental infections.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Infectious Diseases
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Decreased incidence of serious odontogenic infections over 50 years due to preventive care and antibiotics.
- Despite reductions, severe complications and mortality still occur, necessitating continued study.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide emergency practitioners with a concise overview of odontogenic infection.
- To cover clinical presentation, relevant anatomy, and treatment principles for facial swelling or trismus.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical presentation, anatomy, and pathophysiology of orofacial infections.
- Focus on emergency department (ED) management.
Main Results:
- Odontogenic infections present with facial swelling or difficulty opening the mouth.
- Prompt surgical and antibiotic therapy are crucial for effective management.
Conclusions:
- Despite advances, serious dental infections require careful study and management.
- Effective treatment relies on prompt surgical intervention and appropriate antibiotics.
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