[Complications of dental infections]

Infectious dental complications are quite frequent given the high incidence of tooth decay. Other pathologies not related to dental decay can cause mouth infectious such as periodontal infections, alveolitis, peri-coronitis of impacted wisdom tooth and secondary infection of dental fragments. Dental infection can be localised to apex (top of the root) or progress to soft and bony tissues surrounding the teeth. The most frequent germs involved in these infections are generally the same as saprophyte buccal flora but are often associated to other anaerobic germs. The following complications will be described in what concerns their etiology, pathology and treatment: abcess, fistula, phlegmon and cellulitis, odontogenic cysts, actinomycosis, craniofacial thrombophlebitis, osteitis and osteomyelitis, maxillary sinusitis, septicemia and local odontogenic infections. The consequences of these infections can vary according to immunologic resistance of the patient as well as the resistance of some germs to the most common antibiotics. Several factors should be taken in consideration in the treatment; patient history factors, germ virulence, maintaining or suppression of etiologic factors and drainage possibilities.