Acute fetal distress following tooth extraction and abscess drainage in a pregnant patient with maxillofacial infection

Abstract

Oral infections have been implicated in adverse pregnancy outcomes such as pre-eclampsia, premature delivery and growth retardation. A 28-year-old and 9 months pregnant otherwise healthy woman with a complaint of facial swelling and dental pain was referred to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Oral examination revealed perimandibular and masticator space infection related to the left mandibular third molar tooth. Eight hours after surgical intervention, fetal distress developed. The patient was immediately taken into surgery and a male baby delivered by Caesarean section. The baby was then admitted to the intensive care unit. On the twelfth day of his admission, the baby was discharged in good health. Severe maxillofacial infection in pregnancy is a medically complicated situation which should be treated by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in consultation with an obstetric and gynaecology service. © 2013 Australian Dental Association.