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Updated: Feb 22, 2026

CO2-Lasertonsillotomy Under Local Anesthesia in Adults
Published on: November 6, 2019
[A lung abscess caused by bad teeth]
S E van Brummelen1, D Melles, M van der Eerden
1Havenziekenhuis, afd. Longziekten, Rotterdam.
Background:
An odontogenic cause of a lung abscess can easily be overlooked.
Case Description:
A 61-year-old man presented at the emergency department with a productive cough and dyspnoea. He was admitted to the pulmonary ward with a suspected odontogenic lung abscess. A thorax CT scan confirmed the diagnosis 'lung abscess', following which the dental surgeon confirmed that the lung abscess probably had an odontogenic cause. The patient made a full recovery following a 6-week course of antibiotics, and he received extensive dental treatment.
Conclusion:
Poor oral hygiene can be a cause of a lung abscess. A patient with a lung abscess can be treated successfully with a 6-week course of antibiotics; however, if the odontogenic cause is not recognised the abscess can recur.
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