Complications of Odontogenic Infections

Abstract

The term, odontogenic infection refers to an infection that originates in the tooth proper or in the tissues that tightly surround it; said infection then progresses along the periodontal down to the apex, involving periapical bone and from this area, it then spreads through the bone and periosteum towards nearby or more distant structures. The relevance of this type of infection lies in that it can cause infections that compromise more far structures (via direct spread and distant spread), for example, intracraneal, retropharyngeal and pulmonary pleural infections. Dissemination by means of the bloodstream can lead to rheumatic problems and deposits on the valves of the heart (endocarditis), etc. The conditions or factors that influence the spread of infection are dependent on the balance between patient- related conditions and microorganism-related conditions. Patient-related conditions include certain systemic factors that determine host resistance, which may be impaired in situations such as immunodeficiency syndrome or in brittle diabetes, as well as local factors that will also exert their impact on the spread of the infection.