Fulminant infections of odontogenic origin

The dentition is a common source of infection in the head and neck and most odontogenic infections respond uneventfully to proper dental therapy. Some more fulminant odontogenic infections can produce complications including airway obstruction, necrotizing fasciitis, and extension of the infection to the orbits, intracranial structures, and thorax. Six such cases treated by the authors are presented and recommendations for management including aggressive antimicrobial, therapy-based bacteriology and surgical drainage and debridement are made.