The swollen face - Severe odontogenic infections

Severe dental infections can cause significant morbidity and occasional mortality. Early, accurate diagnosis of patients presenting with swollen faces can lead to life-saving interventions. Diagnosis and treatment principles of severe odontogenic infections are presented in this article. Clinical photographs of typical swellings arising from dental infections, their relevant anatomy, and radiologic and microbiologic diagnosis of each are presented. Appropriate antibiotic therapy, definitive airway management, early surgical therapy, and prompt recognition of the complications of these infections are the most important principles of the emergency management of these patients.