Spread of Infection Flashcards
Where can infection from tooth spread?
From apex of tooth out into peri-apical area and it can then erode through bone and through mucosa
What happens when tooth loses vitality?
Irreversible pulpitis which can result in apical periodontitis which can then form an acute apical abscess which can then escape (depending on muscle attachments and bone thickness)
What influences spread of dental infection?
Infection follows path of least resistance
It depends on overlying bone and relationship of muscle attachments
If an upper tooth is infected where can it spread?
Above the buccinator = buccal space
below the buccinator = oral cavity as draining sinus on attachment mucosa
What happens if infection from upper tooth spreads above the buccinator muscle?
spreads into the buccal space
What happens if infection from upper tooth spreads below the buccinator muscle
Spreads into mouth - as draining sinus on attached mucosa
Where else can infection from upper tooth spread?
Palatally
upwards to maxillary sinus
Why is palatal spread of infection less likely?
Infection follows path of least resistance - palatal bone is denser
When is palatal spread of infection most likely?
palatal root of molar tooth
premolar
lateral incisor
Why is lateral incisor more likely have infection spread paatall?
root is more palatally placed when formed
What is characteristic of palatal abscess?
Extreme pain - palatal mucosa is small space, infection stretches tissue with already small SA
what can infection in sinus result in?
sinusitis
when lower tooth infection spreads lingually what is the important muscle attachment?
mylohyoid
What happens if lower tooth lingual infection spreads above the mylohyoid muscle attachment?
goes into the sublingual space–> sub lingual abscess
what happens if lower tooth lingual infection spreads below the mylohyoid attachment?
submandibular space –> submadib abscess - serious!!
