J Korean Assoc Oral Maxillofac Surg.  2007 Dec;33(6):669-676.

The various orbital infections from odontogenic origin

• Kim IK
• Kim JR
• Jang KS
• Jeon W

Abstract

Orbital infection or inflammation is a rare but serious complication of an odontogenic infection. Odontogenic infection can spread to the orbit by one or more of several paths. Such extension is potentially dangerous and can lead to loss of vision or worse. 5-cases of orbital infection and inflammation secondary to infection from upper or lower molar teeth, which extended to the subperiosteal or the retrobulbar region of the orbit, are presented in this report. The infections spreaded to the infratemporal and temporal fossa or the ethmoidal labyrinth, and then to the orbit via the inferior orbital fissure or the lamina papyracea. The clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, route of spread, value of serial CT scanning, treatment and possible complications are reviewed.

Keyword

Orbit; Abscess; Cellulitis; Odontogenic infection

MeSH Terms

Abscess
Cellulitis
Diagnosis, Differential
Ear, Inner
Inflammation
Molar
Orbit*
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
Tooth