Diagnosis of acute maxillofacial infections: the role of computerized tomography

Most acute maxillofacial infections are diagnosed by conventional dental and maxillofacial radiographic techniques. Computed tomography has greatly improved our ability to evaluate infections of the maxillofacial region that originate or extend into the contiguous soft tissues and paranasal sinuses. Four cases in which computed tomography facilitated diagnosis and treatment of advanced infections of the maxillofacial region are presented. In one case an underlying neoplasm was identified.