Fascial Space Infections

Abstract

Dental infection has plagued humankind for as long as our civilization has been a fight against microorganisms by man dates back to ancient civilization. The discovery of antibiotics is encouraging trends conquest of the microbial infections. Infection of the deep facial spaces of the head and neck still represents a major challenge in hospitals. Untreated infections may result in abscess formation that can spread through different levels in and between the facial spaces and result in life-threatening situations including mediastinitis, pericarditis, meningitis, septic shock, airway compromise, jugular vein thrombosis, and arterial erosion, Although the complications are rare, they are serious and life threatening. The most critical point in the facial space infections is the understanding of the common and uncommon signs and symptoms, choice of antibiotics, definitive treatment and a thorough knowledge about the sequela if left unmanaged.