Infection Flashcards
Palatal abscesses tend to be uncommon due to the stretch of the tissue, why is this often uncommon for an infection to spread this way?
Infection tend to look for path of least resistance
In mandibular infection, the infection has pierced above the insertion of the buccinator, where would this be expected to drain?
Usually painless and drains into the mouth forming a small bubble on the gum
If there is a sublingual abscess present, where do we expect that the infection has perforated the bone?
Above the attachment of the mylohyoid line
Why are we worried if the infection perforates below the attachment of mylohyoid
This will lead a submandibular abscesses which is much more serious and problematic
If a patient presents with an infection that has gotten between the ptergyoid plates what may they present with clinically?
Trismus
Describe how a lower tooth infection can spread to the cavernous sinus leading to cavernous sinus thrombosis
The infection could lead to the lateral pharyngeal space - then to the infratemporal space
From there there is then the ptergygoid plexus which is a network of veins which can then let the infection spread to the cavernous sinus
Why are we worried if an infection spreads to the retropharyngeal or prevertebral space?
Because this can then lead to the infection spreading to the base of the skull or the mediastinum
Why is a dental infection in the mediastinum so dangerous
This can cause cardiac tamponade because of the pressure of the infection on the heart
What is cardiac tamponade
This is when fluid accumulates in the pericardial sac compressing the heart and leading to decrease in the cardiac output and shock
If a patient presents you you with a facial swelling that is more infraorbital than buccal swelling - what tooth do you suspect this would be and why?
Tends to be the canine tooth as it has a longer root so drains higher
What are 4 signs we are looking for in systemic inflammatory response syndrome
Increased temp
Increased respiratory rate
Increased heart rate
Increased white cell count
Three of thee can be checked at chair side
What is the general rule for extra-oral incision and drainage and why
2 finger breaths at least below inferior border of mandible
This is because marginal mandibular branch i close to where the incision is made
What is Ludwig’s angina
Bilateral cellulitis of sublingual and submandibular spaces
What are some intra-oral features of Ludwig’s angina
Raised tongue, difficulty breathing and swallowing
Drooling
