Three cases of abscess formation triggered by dental infection

<p>Dental infections often resolve with prompt treatment and antimicrobial therapy. However, comorbidities, such as diabetes mellitus, can exacerbate the disease and result in airway emergencies. In this case report, we described three cases of abscess formation due to dental infection. Case 1 involved an 81-year-old man who developed pain and swelling in the left lower jaw after dental treatment. He was referred to our department because contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) identified abscess formation. The patient was immediately admitted to our hospital and underwent incisional drainage and SBT/ABPC administration. The symptoms improved, and the patient was discharged from the hospital on day 13. Case 2 involved a 23-year-old woman who had untreated dental caries. She was referred to our department with swelling and pain in the right lower jaw. Contrast-enhanced CT revealed abscess formation, and the patient was immediately admitted to the hospital. Incisional and puncture drainage were performed, and SBT/ABPC was administered. The symptoms improved, and the patient was discharged on day 8. Case 3 was a 68-year-old woman with diabetes mellitus and osteoporosis. She had teeth with dental caries, which were treated by dental extraction. Four days later, incisional drainage of the floor of the mouth was performed by the dentist because of swelling of the oral floor. The patient was referred to our department for airway management. A laryngeal fiberscope showed airway obstruction, contrast-enhanced CT showed abscess formation, and tracheostomy and incisional drainage were performed. The patient was treated with intravenous SBT/ABPC and was discharged from the hospital on day 12. Incisional drainage and SBT/ABPC were effective in all three cases. Clinicians should be aware that dental infections can lead to airway emergencies.</p>