Orbital Subperiosteal Abscess Associated with Mandibular Wisdom Tooth Infection: A Case Report

Orbital infection related to mandibular third molar infection is extremely rare. Most of cases reported in literature are related to maxillary molar teeth. Odontogenic infections are not common causes of orbital abscess but it should always be put in consideration when dealing with orbital cellulitis and abscess.

This is a case of orbital abscess involving the left eye as consequence of lower left third molar infection in otherwise healthy 35-year-old black male patient. CT scan confirmed the unusual pathway of this space infection from the lower third molar and excluded any intracranial involvement. The abscess was drained immediately by intraoral incisions and the tooth was extracted. There was a dramatic improvement in a very short time with normal eye movement.

This case demonstrates one of the serious consequences of odontogenic infection which may lead to cavernous sinus thrombosis and blindness if not treated promptly.