Life-Threatening Complications of Odontogenic Infection (Literature Review)

Odontogenic infection is one of common diseases that is easily encountered, especially in developing countries where people doesnt have adequate oral hygiene awareness. Even multiple prevention programs and early treatment has been performed in primary health center, the society oftenly avoid any dental treatment because of various social and economic reasons. Odontogenic infection treatment is commonly uncomplicated, but in some circumstances it may develop to life-threatening complications and giving mortality rate at about 10-40 %. Life-threatening odontogenic infection due to spread of the infection further from common facial spaces may affect other vital structures. For instances, airway obstruction, thoracic complications, Descending Necrotizing Mediastinitis (DNM), Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), Sepsis, Lemierres syndrome, Sinus Cavernous Thrombosis, Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC), and Brain Abscess. Odontogenic infection may cause life-threatening complications if not treated precisely and as soon as possible. It is contributed with other systemic risks factors that may worsen patients condition. In summary, odontogenic infection may cause life-threatening condition because of impairment in ABCD (Airway, Breathing, Circulation, and Disability), which are airway obstruction, breathing problems (thoracic complications, DNM, ARDS), hemodynamic problems (septic shock, thrombosis, DNM, DIC), and increasing of intracranial pressure (brain abscess). It can be concluded that odontogenic infection cannot be underestimated, delayed treatment may cause life-threatening complications. This will make the treatment more complicated as well as increasing the morbidity and mortality rate of the patient.