Chronic dentoalveolar abscess in a pediatric patient with rare drainage

Introduction: Infections of the maxillomandibular complex are common in dentistry and may be easily reversed, depending on the professional's ability to diagnose and treat promptly, as well as the patient's immunocompetence. In most cases their etiology is dental, i.e. a mixed microbiota with presence of Streptococci and Peptostreptococci. These bacteria are associated to the process of pulp necrosis and dentoalveolar abscess formation. When this condition develops from the lower molars, dissemination usually occurs through the buccal vestibular space. However, there are cases that do not follow this pattern, allowing a molar to spread through the buccal, mandibular, submandibular, sublingual and submental spaces. Objective: Report a case of odontogenic infection from pulp necrosis of the lower first molar (36) with atypical dissemination to the submandibular space in a pediatric patient. Clinical case: Female 8-year-old patient with an episode of hospitalization for diagnosis and treatment of a facial infection, according to her medical / dental record. The infection was diagnosed as cellulitis and dental origin was discarded. Antibiotic therapy was started and the patient was discharged. After 9 months, the infection underwent a process of exacerbation with dissemination to the submandibular region. Analysis of the antecedents of the current condition, alongside physical and radiographic examination, led to the diagnosis of chronic dentoalveolar abscess with dissemination and drainage to the submandibular space, and the consequent indication of dental extraction and antibiotic therapy. Conclusions: Early diagnosis and treatment are vital to avoid progression to severer complications such as mediastinitis and necrotizing fasciitis.