spread of infection Flashcards
What is the principle of infection spread?
Infection tends to spread in the path of least resistance.
How can infection from the apex of upper teeth spread into the buccal space?
If it breaches the bone above the buccinator
How can infection from upper teeth spread palatally?
Usually from palatal roots, lateral incisor roots, forming a palatal abscess
How does an infection abscess draining into the oral cavity typically manifest?
It’s not very painful but produces a bad taste in the mouth
In which direction can infection spread into the maxillary sinus from upper teeth?
Upwards
What are the potential routes of infection spread from lower teeth?
Lingually (sublingual abscess)
Buccally (oral cavity or buccal space)
What happens when infection reaches muscle spaces in the oral region?
Muscles go into spasm, leading to severe trismus (difficulty opening the mouth).
What is the risk associated with infection in the lateral pharyngeal space?
Highly dangerous potential for further spread.
How can infection spread from the lateral pharyngeal space?
It can progress to the retropharyngeal space and prevertebral space
What serious complication can arise if infection reaches the mediastinum?
Cardiac tamponade
What rare complication can occur if infection spreads to the brain?
Cavernous sinus thrombosis
Where do infections from upper anterior teeth tend to spread?
To the lip, nasolabial region, or lower eyelid
To the lip, nasolabial region, or lower eyelid.
It may spread to the palate (less common)
What regions are susceptible to infection from upper premolars and molars?
Cheek, infra-temporal region, maxillary antrum (very rare), and palate (less common)
Where do infections from lower anteriors typically spread?
To the mental and submental space
Which spaces can be affected by infections from lower premolars and molars?
Buccal space, submasseteric space, sublingual space, submandibular space, and lateral pharyngeal space
Is it common for infection to spread along lower tooth pathways from upper teeth?
It’s unusual but possible
What is the primary goal of surgical management in dental infections?
To establish drainage; options include extirpating the pulp, tooth extraction, and antibiotics depending on the case
What is the Hilton Technique used for in dental infections?
Allowing pus drainage using a two-ended instrument and temporary drains
What is Ludwig’s Angina?
A bilateral cellulitis of the sublingual and submandibular spaces presenting with both intra- and extra-oral symptoms
What systemic response occurs in patients with severe infections?
Increased heart rate, breathing rate, temperature, and white cell count, known as SIRS (Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome).
Increased heart rate, breathing rate, temperature, and white cell count, known as SIRS (Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome).
It’s used in emergency medicine to assess patient deterioration based on various parameters like temperature, pulse, and blood pressure.
What does ACVPU stand for, and what does it measure?
ACVPU stands for Alert, Confused, Responds to Verbal Commands, Responds to Pain, Completely Unresponsive. It measures a patient’s level of consciousness.
