Treatment of intractable orofacial infection: Case reports

Abstract

In severe cases, intractable infections in the orofacial area can lead to breathing difficulties due to closed airway, mediastinitis, and spread of infection along the blood vessels. Moreover, these conditions lead to sepsis, brain abscess, and cavernous sinus thrombosis, which can be life-threatening. The objective of this study was to evaluate the treatment of dental care and emergency situations of patients with intractable infections. In this study, two cases of intractable infection that occurred in multiple orofacial spaces were treated well through incision and drainage under general anesthesia, tracheostomy to secure an emergency airway, and active cooperation with other medical departments. Further, it is important to perform early incision and drainage with a high dose of antibiotics, obtain a discharge route with drainage, and manage infection through daily massive irrigation and dressing.