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Updated: Aug 23, 2026
A Finite Element Approach for Locating the Center of Resistance of Maxillary Teeth
Published on: April 8, 2020
Spread of odontogenic infection originating in the maxillary teeth: computerized tomographic assessment
Naofumi Obayashi1, Yoshiko Ariji, Masakazu Goto
1Second Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Aichi-Gakuin University School of Dentistry, Nagoya, Japan.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to investigate the pathways of infection originating in the maxillary teeth through the interpretation of computerized tomographic (CT) appearances.
Study Design:
CT images of 78 patients were analyzed with reference to lateral asymmetry of shape and density of fascial spaces and tissues.
Results:
Changes in the alveolar cortical plates were observed more frequently in the labial/buccal side than in the palatal side. The facial expression muscles were involved in 23 (19.4%) patients. Infection caused by anterior teeth often spread into the levator labii superioris and levator anguli oris muscles. Deep spread into the fascial space was found in 9 (11.5%) patients. Masticator space changes were predominantly seen in the patients with infection caused by molars. Maxillary sinus changes were found in 57 (71.3%) patients with infection originating in the canines, premolars and molars.
Conclusion:
Infection spread characteristics are related to the causal teeth, and the pathways were clearly demonstrated on CT images.
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