Extensive Odontogenic Buccal Space Infection With Multispace Extension in a Diabetic Elderly Patient: A Case Report

Odontogenic infections are common in oral and maxillofacial practice but may progress rapidly in medically compromised individuals. Diabetes mellitus is a recognized risk factor, predisposing patients to severe and recurrent infections with poor healing potential. We report the case of a 70-year-old diabetic, hypertensive, and hypothyroid female who presented with a left buccal space infection extending to the submandibular, sublingual, and infratemporal spaces, complicated by cortical bone erosion and necrotic lymphadenitis. The patient was managed with incision and drainage, extraction of the offending teeth, and broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics. This case underscores the aggressive nature of odontogenic infections in diabetic patients and emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis, prompt surgical drainage, systemic control, and multidisciplinary management.