ODONTOGENIC FASCIAL SPACE INFECTIONS: A CASE SERIES

Authors

  • Ayesha Basharat General Dental Practitioner, Peshawar, Pakistan Author
  • Talha Ahmad University College of Medicine and Dentistry (UCMD-UOL), Lahore, Pakistan Author
  • Tayyib Atique College of Dentistry, Sharif Medical and Dental College, Lahore, Pakistan Author
  • Javeria Lateef College of Dentistry, Sharif Medical and Dental College, Lahore, Pakistan Author
  • Maria Jabbar College of Dentistry, Sharif Medical and Dental College, Lahore, Pakistan Author
  • Muhammad Abdullah University College of Medicine and Dentistry, Lahore, Pakistan Author
  • Hira butt General Dental Practitioner, Lahore, Pakistan Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71000/5cw11n36

Keywords:

Buccal space infection, Canine space infection, Submandibular infection, Odontogenic infections, Fascial space infections, Case series

Abstract

Background: Fascial space infections are potentially life-threatening complications of odontogenic infections that arise due to delayed or inadequate treatment. These infections can rapidly spread through facial planes, particularly in immunocompromised individuals, and may involve multiple anatomical spaces such as the buccal, submandibular, and canine regions. Prompt recognition and surgical management are critical to prevent serious outcomes like cellulitis, airway obstruction, or Ludwig’s angina.

Case Presentation: This case series describes three patients with distinct presentations of fascial space infections. The first case involved a 40-year-old woman who presented with a four-day history of pain and brany swelling in the upper right posterior maxilla, diagnosed as a buccal space infection secondary to a carious maxillary first molar. The second case was a 60-year-old woman undergoing radiotherapy for breast cancer, who presented with a six-day history of left facial swelling and was diagnosed with a canine space infection linked to an upper left canine beneath a prosthetic bridge. The third case involved a 40-year-old woman with left lower facial swelling and trismus. Examination revealed a carious mandibular third molar and a diagnosis of buccal and submandibular space infection.

Intervention and Outcome: All patients were managed with surgical incision and drainage, supported by systemic antibiotics. The offending teeth were either extracted or treated endodontically. Follow-up showed full clinical recovery in all cases, with no recurrence of infection. Immunocompromised status in one case necessitated cautious monitoring and intravenous antibiotic therapy.

Conclusion: These cases highlight the importance of timely diagnosis and management of odontogenic infections to prevent their progression into deep fascial spaces. Early surgical intervention, appropriate antibiotic coverage, and individualized care based on comorbidities are crucial for favorable outcomes.

Author Biographies

  • Ayesha Basharat, General Dental Practitioner, Peshawar, Pakistan

    General Dental Practitioner, Peshawar, Pakistan

  • Talha Ahmad, University College of Medicine and Dentistry (UCMD-UOL), Lahore, Pakistan

    Final Year BDS Student, University College of Medicine and Dentistry (UCMD-UOL), Lahore, Pakistan

  • Tayyib Atique, College of Dentistry, Sharif Medical and Dental College, Lahore, Pakistan

    Final Year BDS Student, College of Dentistry, Sharif Medical and Dental College, Lahore, Pakistan

  • Javeria Lateef, College of Dentistry, Sharif Medical and Dental College, Lahore, Pakistan

    Final Year BDS Student, College of Dentistry, Sharif Medical and Dental College, Lahore, Pakistan

  • Maria Jabbar, College of Dentistry, Sharif Medical and Dental College, Lahore, Pakistan

    Postgraduate Resident, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, College of Dentistry, Sharif Medical and Dental College, Lahore, Pakistan

  • Muhammad Abdullah, University College of Medicine and Dentistry, Lahore, Pakistan

    Third year BDS student, University College of Medicine and Dentistry, Lahore, Pakistan

  • Hira butt, General Dental Practitioner, Lahore, Pakistan

    General Dental Practitioner, Lahore, Pakistan

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Published

2025-05-12