Orofacial Infections

Infections are unpredictable — they can progress rapidly and become serious, especially when the airway is involved. An early infection is called a cellulitis, it is a red, warm, painful swelling, often firm to the touch. As the infection evolves, an abscess cavity develops which is a collection of liquefied dead tissue known as pus or purulence.

The springtime temperature and barometric pressure changes often lead to more aggressive infections. A low grade tooth infection can turn serious when the bone barrier is disrupted and the infection moves into the soft tissue spaces, where it can spread rapidly.

Antibiotics and surgical incision and drainage are the two treatments directed at infection resolution. Infections should be closely monitored and treated promptly.