Orofacial Space Infection Due to Faulty Prosthesis

Orofacial space infections are commonly treated by oral and maxillofacial surgeons, even in the post antibiotic era. Pre existing systemic conditions such as diabetes mellitus makes a person more vulnerable to space infection. A prosthesis which is poorly designed often jeopardises the oral health and makes a person susceptible to ulcers of mucosa, which can result in necrosis of mucosa. The sequel of such ulcerations and necrosis would be life threatening Orofacial space infections in medically compromised patients. Here we present a case report of 64 year old diabetic patient presenting with Orofacial space infection as a sequel to necrosis of mucosa caused due to physical and chemical injury by a faulty prosthesis fabricated by a quack practicing dentistry. Submandibular, sublingual and pterygomandibular space were involved leading to trismus and swelling. On forceful mouth opening after extraoral mandibular nerve block, denudation of mucosa was seen distal and lingual to mandibular right second premolar with pus discharge. Radiographic examination revealed no abnormal findings in teeth or bone. The spaces were explored from the opening created by denuded mucosa. Infection control and diabetic control was achieved with antibiotics and oral hypoglycaemic drugs. Patient responded well for the treatment and recovered uneventfully.