Severe Head and Neck Infection from Odontogenic Origin

Abstract

A retrospective study of 25 cases of severe head and neck infection from odontogenic origin was performed at Lopburi Hospital in 30-Month period (September 1990 - February 1993) by reviewing medical records of 13 male and 12 female patients. Age range of the cases was from 2 to 84 years old. Route of infection was identified from maxillary teeth in 11 cases and from mandibular teeth in the other 14 cases. Eleven cases received only medical treatment and additional sergical treatment was required for all the rest. All of patients had good therapeutic result except one case who died from sepsis (4%). Odontogenic infection is a common route of head and neck infection. But a small number of patients have much more fulminant course and may result in major complications or even death. Early detection, immediate and proper treatment could be life saving and also prevent serious complications.