Odontogenic cervico-facial cellulitis during pregnancy: about 3 cases

Abstract

Pregnancy is considered as a risk factor for development, severity, and complications of odontogenic infections. Without adequate treatment, the infection can spread and threaten both the mother's and the foetus lives. We aim to analyze the predisposing factors, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of cervico-facial cellulitis during pregnancy, through a descriptive retrospective study conducted at oral and maxillofacial surgery department of Mohamed VI university hospital center at Marrakesh, between June 2017 and June 2019. A total of three patients; all patients were at their last trimester were recruited. Every patient was immediately given intravenous antibiotics, drainage was carried out under local anesthesia, and the causing tooth was removed. During hospitalization, one patient was referred to the gynaecology department for preterm labor, while the remaining two patients were discharged after the pus drainage has stopped. The possible compromise of oral health during pregnancy is well known, however severe odontogenic infections are rarely considered in the literature. It is essential to aggressively treat the gravid patient to minimize the risk of infection spreading to the facial spaces. Moreover, poor oral health in pregnancy has been implicated in adverse birth outcomes, specifically prematurity. We recommend upgrading communication between obstetrician and dentists so that regular routine dental visits are planned for pregnant patients during early stages of pregnancy in order to identify and manage the problem as early as possible.

Keywords: Facial cellulitis; extraction; odontogenic; pregnancy.

Figure 1

A) picture shoswing extensive submandibular space infection resulting in facial swelling and limited mouth opening; B) orthopantomogram of the same patient showing a carious third molar (N°38)