Management of Facial Space Infection in a 9-Year-Old Child - A Case Report

Khaja Khalid Nawaz M

doi:10.11648/j.ijcoms.20160201.11

Abstract

<i>Background: </i> Fascial space infections of the head and neck region are usually odontogenic in origin. An untreated or rapidly spreading odontogenic infections can be potentially life threatening. The present case report describes a patient with orofacial infections who required emergent incision and drainage in the oral and maxillofacial surgery OPD at our hospital. <i>Conclusion: </i> Fascial space infections of the head and neck region, though potentially life threatening, can be prevented by regular dental visits. Early recognition and treatment of the infections are necessary to prevent considerable morbidity and mortality, especially in younger patients where more care should be given for oral health. Successful results can be achieved for pediatric patients who can be treated with Incision and Drainage, removal of etiologic factor followed by a combo of three antibiotics.

Highlights

Dental disease is the underlying cause of most of inflammatory swellings which occurs either in or around the jaws
Recognition and treatment of the infections are necessary to prevent considerable morbidity and mortality, especially in younger patients where more care should be given for oral health
Successful results can be achieved for pediatric patients who can be treated with Incision and Drainage, removal of etiologic factor followed by a combo of three antibiotics

Summary

Introduction

Dental disease is the underlying cause of most of inflammatory swellings which occurs either in or around the jaws. Inflammation may commence either at the root apices or gingival margins of erupted teeth, or in the soft tissues which surround and overlie the crown of an unerupted or partially erupted tooth. Inflammation around the apices of tooth root may result in the formation of pus. The pus tracks along the line of least resistance and perforates the bone at the site where it is thinnest and weakest and involves the surrounding soft tissues. Once the infection enters the tissues it may resolve, become localized or spread. These infections may range from superficial to deep neck infections [1]. In cases of acute odontogenic infection, the oral and maxillofacial surgeon needs to know whether the inflammatory process is in a stage of abscess formation, requiring primary evacuation of pus and administration of antibiotics or a cellulitis that can generally be treated with antibiotics alone [2]

Case Report

Conclusion

Findings

Discussion