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Complication of Dental Injection

Douglas Leventhal, MD; David N. Schwartz, MD, DMD

Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2008;134(5):551-553.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

INTRODUCTION

The infratemporal fossa (ITF) is a rare anatomic site for abscess formation. Infections in this space have been found following maxillary sinusitis, maxillary sinus fracture, temporomandibular arthroscopy, dental infection, and tooth extraction.^1-5 The ITF is bounded superiorly by the sphenoid bone, medially by the lateral pterygoid plate, anteriorly by the maxilla, posteriorly by the deep parotid region, and laterally by the mandibular ramus. The ITF contains important neurovascular structures and communicates with the orbit and middle cranial fossa. Therefore, infection may spread to these areas leading to rapid clinical deterioration.

Prompt diagnosis and initiation of treatment is of the utmost importance in managing this condition. This case of an ITF abscess may have resulted from multiple needle sticks necessary to achieve anesthesia prior to a dental procedure. This is a potentially unusual cause of infection, but the presenting symptoms and subsequent imaging . . . [Full Text of this Article]

REPORT OF A CASE

COMMENT

CONCLUSIONS

AUTHOR INFORMATION

Author Affiliations: Department of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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