Orofacial infections in Iraq

In Iraq, oral and maxillofacial (OMF) infections are common; these infections may be of odontogenic or nonodontogenic origin. The former, the commoner, gains importance from the catastrophic consequences that may take place in neglected or mismanaged patients and, as a paradox, from a fact that most of these infections are avoidable and preventable if a timely and accurate management took place for the primary dental problem. Nonodontogenic infections are not uncommon and are of life-threatening potential. Most of these infections are associated with an underlying medical condition that, whenever controlled, can help achieve acceptable results. Although missile injuries-associated infections are almost exclusively of bacterial origin, a separated section is assigned in this article for these infections, in addition to other varieties of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. The article gives an account of common presentations, diagnostic procedures, treatment protocols, and outcomes of management of OMF infections in Baghdad's central OMF surgery department. These infections are considered as one of the elementary problems in OMF clinics; thus, highlighting significant points extirpated from an overall view of a more than 10-year experience can suggest where shortcomings in management are and can pave the way for future improvement.