A rare complication of tooth abscess--Ludwig's angina and mediastinitis.
Deep neck infections are a rare but potentially fatal complication of pulpal abscess of the teeth. If an infection can progress rapidly from a toothache to a life-threatening infection, then it is critical that dentists be able to recognize the danger signs and identify the patients who are at risk. This article reviews a case of a seemingly innocuous toothache which rapidly progressed to Ludwig's angina and mediastinitis, and discusses how to recognize and manage these life-threatening infections.
Furst
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IM
Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Stratford General, Woodstock General and Cambridge Memorial Hospitals, Ontario. ianfurst@mobile.rogers.com
Ersil
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Caminiti
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D000368:Aged; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000209:etiology; D004322:Drainage; D005260:Female; D005491:Focal Infection, Dental / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D008158:Ludwig's Angina / Q000209:etiology*; D008480:Mediastinitis / Q000209:etiology*; D009333:Neck; D010482:Periapical Abscess / Q000150:complications*