Fascial Spaces

Question 1

What spaces would likely by affected with a severe infection of the mandibular wisdom teeth?

Answer 1

Submandibular to parapharyngeal (post to pterygomandibular or submasseteric or directly to parapharyngeal, deep depending on location of the teeth/root etc)

Question 2

What spaces would likely by affected with a severe infection of the maxillary anterior teeth?

Answer 2

Maxillary spaces- canine space, infraorbital or vestibular spaces

Question 3

What spaces would likely by affected with a severe infection of the mandibular canines?

Answer 3

Vestibular space to submandibular

Question 4

Define Trismus and ludwig’s angina:

Answer 4

Trismus: any restriction of mouth opening. Accompanied by muscular spasm, inflammation of muscles of mastication (pain)

Ludwigs angina: diffuse uncontrolled infection/inflammation of all 5 submaxillary spaces.

Question 5

What 3 spaces are evident in the cervical fascial spaces?

Answer 5

Parapharyngeal, retro pharyngeal, and previsceral

Question 6

Describe possible causes of dental infections and the existing signs and symptoms and/or conditions?

Answer 6

Pericoronitis, decay, trauma etc.
Abscess may result or others may include cellulitis, osteomyelitis
Signs and symptoms that of inflammation and general body infection

Question 7

Identify the 5 submaxillary fascial spaces and their general location.

Answer 7

Submental- below mylohyoid muscle, under chin area, midline

Submandibular- posterior and lateral to sub mental, medial to angle of mandible

Sublingual- under tongue (floor of mouth) above mylohyoid muscle