title: Severe odontogenic infection: An emergency. Case report.
abstract: Odontogenic infections (OI) are a major reason for consultation in dental practice. They affect people of all ages, and most of them respond well to current medical and surgical treatments. However, some OI can spread to vital and deep structures, overcome the host immune system - especially in diabetic, immunocompromised or weakened patients - and even prove fatal. Ludwig's angina is a severe form of diffuse cellulitis that can have an acute onset and spread very rapidly, bilaterally affecting areas of the head and neck, and may prove life threatening. A case of severe dental infection is presented in which emphasis is placed on the importance of airway maintenance, followed by surgical decompression under adequate antibiotic coverage.Key words:Ludwig's angina, severe odontogenic infection, surgical decompression, dental infection.
authors.affiliation: DDS, Maxillofacial Surgeon, Associate Professor, San Sebastián University Dental School. Valdivia, Chile Maxillofacial Surgeon, Hospital Base Valdivia, Chile.
authors.forename: Marcelo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Guzmán-Letelier
authors.affiliation: DDS, Dental surgeon. Associate Professor, San Sebastián University Dental School. Valdivia, Chile.
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Crisosto-Jara
authors.affiliation: DDS, Oral Surgery Collaborator, San Sebastián University Dental School. Valdivia, Chile.
authors.forename: Camilo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Diaz-Ricouz
authors.affiliation: MD, PhD, DDS, Chairman of Oral Surgery, Valencia University Medical and Dental School, Valencia, Spain.
authors.forename: Miguel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Peñarrocha-Diago
authors.affiliation: PhD, DDS, Associate Professor Department of Stomatology, Valencia University Medical and Dental School. Valencia, Spain.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Peñarrocha-Oltra