Necrotizing fasciitis of the face and neck following a dental procedure

Abstract

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a severe, life-threatening infection of the soft tissue, characterized by the rapid progression of necrosis in the superficial fascia and subcutaneous tissue. The involvement of the face is a rare scenario. The patient being described underwent root canal procedure for the right upper premolar following which she developed NF involving the face and neck. She underwent extensive debridement of necrotic tissue and was discharged in stable condition.

Keywords

• Face
• necrotizing fasciitis
• root canal treatment
• steroids