CC BY 4.0 · Eur J Dent 2021; 15(04): 802-805
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1731588
Case Report

Odontogenic Subperiosteal Abscess of the Lateral Orbit: Timely Recognition and Management

Ashley N. Houle
1   Chicago Medical Center, The University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, United States
,
Chau Pham
1   Chicago Medical Center, The University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, United States
,
Nita Valikodath
1   Chicago Medical Center, The University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, United States
,
1   Chicago Medical Center, The University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, United States
,
Nicholas Callahan
1   Chicago Medical Center, The University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, United States
› Author Affiliations
Funding None.

Abstract

Orbital abscess is a rare entity due to an odontogenic infection. The progression from a toothache to serious complications such as blindness or death can be sudden and severe. The authors present the case of a 13-year-old male patient with a 2-day history of dental pain, which progressed to involve the periorbital tissues. He was experiencing visual symptoms. Computed tomographic imaging revealed a canine space abscess associated with a carious right maxillary molar in continuity with a subperiosteal abscess of the right lateral orbit. Surgical drainage was performed under general anesthesia via intraoral and extraoral approaches. The postoperative course was uncomplicated and vision improved. Multidisciplinary and timely management is crucial for successful outcomes in managing orbital abscesses of odontogenic origin. Therefore, it is crucial for emergency and primary care physicians to recognize when specialist consultation is indicated and expedite this process.



Publication History

Article published online:
13 August 2021

© 2021. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, permitting unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is properly cited. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

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