Space infection is infection spreading to the Facial Spaces in the head and neck region from one or many teeth infected. The Fascial spaces are filled with Loose Connective tissue readily breakdown in presence of even little amount of infection and a huge swelling can be seen.
The List of Fascial Spaces and their Boundries is described in detail here: Fascial Spaces of Head and Neck Region
Now coming to the teeth involved in specific Space infections we should understand that the infection is spread to the particular Space through this teeth which is or are infected. In some cases the Nerve Blocks which are giving lead to space infection as seen in Pterygomandibular Space and Retrozygomatic Space when the needle pierces the surrounding muscle and enters the space leading to infection.
The Teeth involved in Various types of Space Infections or Space infections caused due to Teeth:
- Submental Space: Mandibular Anteriors
- Sublingual Space: Mandibular Premolars and 1st Molars (the root apices lie below the mylohyoid line)
- Submandibular Space: 2nd and 3rd Mandibular Molars (the root apices lie below the mylohyoid line)
- Lateral Pharyngeal Space: Pericoronalinfection from Mandibular 3rd Molar
- Infraorbital Space or Canine Fossa infection: Maxillary Canine, Premolars and MB root of 1st Molar
- Retrozygomatic Space or Infratemporal region: Buccal Roots of Maxillary 2nd and 3rd Molars
- Buccal Space: Mostly Maxillary Teeth and sometimes Mandibular teeth (when the root apices crosses the attachment to Buccinator)
Space Infection Caused due to Nerve Blocks of Local anaesthesia:
- Pterygomandibular Space: Infection is Spread through Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block
- Retrozygomatic Space or Infratemporal region: Infection spread through Posterior Alveolar Nerve Block
What type of consultants investigate possibility of deep fascial infections of head and neck?
Hi Nicky,
The consultants who will be dealing with deep fascial infections of head and neck will be Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons if the cause of the infection is oral or Tooth related and in case the cause of the infection is not Oral then the best bet will be a General Physician who will diagnose and send you to the respective departments for further treatment.
So diagnosing the Source of the infection is of primary importance and doses of Antibiotics can control the Space infection and later the source of infection should be dealt with.
Can a infection spread for the canine fossa to the cavernous sinus?
Yes, infection can spread to the infratemporal fossa from the Canine Fossa and then spread to the Cavernous Sinus.
I got deep infection due to 3 molar.how many days will it take to recover
have on going periodental disease, had 2 teeth pulled bottom back last 2 lower and 2 back top right, out of nowhere 2 weeks later had swollen gum bottom 2nd from back lower tooth, not near areas of surgery tha are doing good,..now right area of face cheek down to swelled lymph node too, got amoxicilan from dr, swelling down but still there on side of face, gum area still red but better am I ok? taking amoxicillan eveey 8 hrs for 7 days
Have they taken any X-ray of the affected tooth or in that Area? We can get a clear idea about which tooth is the culprit for causing the Swelling. Based on that we can take a call on what the next step can be.
I’ve had facial/jaw/neck pain…no tooth pain with even the dry ice test by endo until now. Have had this for months…I’m in pain everyday..running low grade fevers, and having facial swelling. X-Ray seems normal according to general dentist and endo. Sinus CT neg. I do have TMJ. We have tried antibiotics, several rounds, muscle relaxers. Still in pain. Will oral surgeon be able to help? What studies can be ordered to diagnose?
Has Trigeminal Neuralgia been ruled out? Some symptoms which you have mentioned can be due to Trigeminal Neuralgia although more specific to the region supplied by the Nerve but it to needs to be ruled out, as all other conditions have been cleared.