Severe dental infections in the emergency department

A dental source of infection should be suspected in patients presenting with an acute cervicofacial swelling or trismus. Dental infection originates in the tooth or in the tissues that closely surround it. These infections are common and generally resolve by spontaneous drainage through the gingival tissues of the tooth. Severe dental infections extend beyond the jawbone into potential spaces around the jaw and into the neck. The spread of infection can lead to life-threatening complications, such as airway compromise, cavernous sinus thrombosis, and mediastinitis. Mortality from severe dental infections, although uncommon, is increasing. The aim of this review was to describe the clinical presentation, evaluation, and management of patients presenting with severe or potentially severe dental infection.