Massive orofacial abscesses of dental origin

Massive cervicofacial abscesses of dental origin are relatively rare, and may be associated with serious and grave morbidity. In extreme cases, an occasional fatality may result from regional complications. Three cases are presented that describe the clinical and radiographic evaluation and the surgical approaches for abscess drainage. Specific attention is directed toward 1) the management of imminent airway obstruction, 2) the application of computed tomographic technology for localization and surgical planning, and 3) current antibiotic therapy.