| dc.description.abstract | The infections occurring in the maxillofacial complex are classified according to its origin as odontogenic and non-odontogenic. The latter is caused by infections of oral mucosa, salivary glands, etc. The main reasons for the appearance of odontogenic infections are: dental cavity, dentoalveolar infection, periodontitis, osteitis, osteomyelitis and post surgery infections. Microbiologically, it is an infection caused by mixed bacterial flora (anaerobic-anaerobic). The characteristic signs and symptoms are: local pain, followed by swelling in the affected area, redness and lack of function like: trismus, dysphagy, dyslalia and dyspnea. Fever and prostration may also occur. A sooner diagnostic is of great importance and a clinical trial of signs and symptoms added to the analysis of complementary laboratorial and image exams (computerized tomography, magnetic resonance and radiographs) are needed. The treatment is based on surgical drainage, antibiotic therapy, besides warm compress and gargle. In severe cases the patient must be hospitalized. Among the complications there are: Ludwigs angina, endocarditis, thrombosis of cavernous sinus, mediastinitis, thoracic infection, pericarditis, meningitis, septicemia and others. A literature review was performed containing information regarding to the odontogenic infection including: anatomy of the affected regions, microbiology, immunological approach of the infection, causes, diagnostic, the usage of microbiological analysis, treatment, relation to the systemic condition of the patient and main complications. In addition, a clinical case of odontogenic infection complication in a HIV positive patient was reported. The aim was to increase the knowledge about this disease which is so common in the daily routine of a surgeon dentist. | |
