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Oral Surgery · single question

A 5-year-old has right buccal facial swelling with no radiographic pathology, consistent with cellulitis from primary tooth B. If untreated, what is the most concerning complication?

  1. Cavernous sinus thrombophlebitis
  2. Submandibular space involvement
  3. Ludwig's angina
  4. Periorbital cellulitis
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Cavernous sinus thrombophlebitis

  • A. CORRECT. Maxillary infections can spread via the angular and ophthalmic veins to the cavernous sinus, a life-threatening complication.
  • B. INCORRECT. Submandibular space relates to mandibular molar infections.
  • C. INCORRECT. Ludwig's angina arises from mandibular sources.
  • D. INCORRECT. Periorbital cellulitis is serious but less catastrophic than cavernous sinus thrombosis.

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