Life Threatening Complications of Odontogenic Infections

Abstract

Odontogenic infections are infections that originate from the dental pulp or the periodontium and they have the potential to distant spread into deeper structures. They are typically treated by general dentists, however, if left untreated, the infection has the potential to spread beyond the confinement of the bony maxilla or mandible and result in life-threatening complications.Infections of the oral cavity are usually mild and spread in a predictable pattern; however, factors such as tooth inclination, proximity of adjacent muscular attachments, thickness of alveolar bone adjacent to the offending tooth, and fascial spaces are all factors that influence the spread of an odontogenic infection. odontogenic infections can spread from the oral cavity by means of haematogenous dissemination, lymphogenous dissemination, and direct extension into fascial spaces. If the source of the infection is not properly managed or the patient suffers from systemic disorders that suppress their immune response, the infection can cause serious complications, like Ludwig's angina, orbital infections, brain abscess, cavernous sinus thrombosis, and descending necrotizing mediastinitis. Despite recent advances in the management of odontogenic infections, they continue to be a major public health concern. As a result, it is important for dentists to be able to recognize, diagnose, and treat oral infections as soon as possible, especially in emergency cases, to avoid serious and life-threatening complications.