Intraoral examination in pyogenic facial lesions

Pyogenic cutaneous lesions of the cervicofacial region may be due to a variety of causes. One possibility that should be considered is an odontogenic infection secondary to untreated dental caries, periodontal disease or previous maxillofacial trauma. An intraoral examination is mandatory to evaluate the oral cavity for signs of pathology that may be manifested as a purulent cutaneous lesion. Patients with odontogenic infection should be referred to a dentist for definitive treatment, which may consist of either endodontic therapy or extraction of the involved tooth and curettage of any abscesses or fistulous tracts.