Gangrenous cervicofacial cellulitis from odontogenic infection: two clinical cases

Abstract

Introduction: Cervicofacial cellulitis resulting from common odontogenic infections is rare but serious, with life-threatening complications and potential general or local complications. Observation: Two cases are discussed here. The first observed case concerned a 32-year-old patient, affected by gangrenous cellulitis, following the avulsion of teeth number 38. The second observed case was of a chronic periapical infection being left untreated. The urgency of these two cases required the coordination of medical and surgical specialist teams to ensure a stable and successful treatment, involving surgical treatment, drug therapy, and reanimation. Discussion: The inadequate treatment or chronic dental infections, associated with immunosuppression and some cofactors (tobacco, alcohol, drugs, pregnancy, etc.), can lead to severe case of cellulitis. Medical and surgical management should be carried out as soon as possible to prevent the onset of serious complications such as mediastinitis, septic shock, and thrombophlebitis.

Keywords

• cellulitis
• surgery
• emergency treatment
• focal infection
• dental
• complications