Orbital Abscess from Odontogenic Infection of Maxillary Molar: Case Report

ABSTRACT

infection is typically caused by spread of inflammation from the paranasal sinuses. Less common causes can be skin infections, trauma, and hematogenous spread from other infections located elsewhere in the body. Odontogenic orbital infections account for 2~5% of all orbital infections, and occur as a result of periodontitis, odontogenic abscess from caries, tooth extraction, and oral surgery. Orbital infections can be divided into preseptal infection, orbital subperiosteal abscess, orbital abscess, and postorbital abscess. Symptoms which can be observed are swelling of the eyelids and erythema, orbital edema, displacement of the eyeball, exophthalmos, ophthalmoplegia, and even impairment of the optic nerve. Here we present the case of a patient who had an orbital abscess secondary to an abscess of the right maxillary third molar. Rapid recovery occurred following surgical treatment and antibiotic therapy. In addition a brief review of the literature is included.