Odontogenic infection

Question 1

Aetiology of odontogenic infection

Answer 1

• Caries/periapical infection
• Periodontal disease
• Pericoronitis
• Trauma (e.g. fractured mandible)
• Post-operative infections
• Cysts
• Tumours

Question 2

Process of infection

Answer 2

?

Question 3

Bacteria involved in odontogenic infections

Answer 3

o Streptococcus milleri (65%)
o Peptostreptococcus (65%)
o Other anaerobic streptococci (9%)
o Prevotella species (74%)
o P. gingivalis (17%)
o Fusobacterium species (52%)

Question 4

What is a facial space and what is its borders?

Answer 4

o A facial space is a potential space that exists between facial planes of soft tissue
o Barriers such as muscle, bone, and fascia

Question 5

What are the primary facial spaces

Answer 5

• Buccal
• Lingual
• Sublingual
• Submental
• Submandibular

Question 6

What are the secondary facial spaces

Answer 6

• Lateral pharyngeal
• Masseteric
• Submasseteric

Question 7

Stages of infection

Answer 7

o Inoculation stage = very soft, mildly tender, oedematous swelling which is diffuse and jelly-like
o Cellulitis stage = indurated swelling with indistinct borders (diffuse) considered the most acute, painful, and severe presentation of infection. The severity of cellulitis increases as its firmness increases.
o Abscess stage = distinct and well-defined border with central fluctuance, a sign of increasing host reaction to infection. Usually it is slow-growing and less serious than cellulitis, especially if the abscess has drained spontaneously to the external environment.