Cutaneous sinus tracts of dental origin

The most common etiologic factor responsible for the intermittently suppurating cutaneous sinus tract about the face and neck is the extension of chronic infection of dental origin. Complete healing invariably follows the eradication of this source of infection. The presence of a cutaneous sinus tract about the face and neck should alert members of the profession to the necessity of routine dental examination including roentgenographic surveys of the teeth and jaws.