Oro-Cutaneous fistula of dental origin: Report of a case and review of the literature

Abstract

Oro-cutaneous fistula of dental origin is uncommon, unsightly, and sometimes distressing and frustrating to the patient. The major sources of dental infection causing this condition are periapical following pulpal necrosis, and periodontal. The continued leakage of purulent material from the oral cavity to the face and the eventual scar tissue formation create aesthetic problem. Dental examination and relevant oro-facial radiographs are paramount to its diagnosis. Treatment of the necrotic pulp by endodontic therapy or extraction of the offending tooth will resolve the infection and heal the fistula. Dermatologists and other medical practitioners should be aware that oro-cutaneous fistula from dental aetiology can be confused with skin lesions. A case managed at the Dental and Maxillofacial Clinic of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Nigeria is presented here.

Keywords

• fistula
• oro-cutaneous
• dental
• extraction