Oral Surgery · single question
A patient habitually chews tobacco in the labial vestibule of the mandible. If an infection develops, to which space would it most likely spread?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Submandibular space
✓ A) Submandibular space is correct.
The labial vestibule of the mandible is bounded by the mucosa, mandible, and lower lip. Infection in the anterior mandibular region (especially from lower anterior/premolar teeth with roots below the mylohyoid) typically spreads to the submandibular space. The sublingual space would be involved for teeth with roots above the mylohyoid attachment. Ludwig's angina involves both spaces bilaterally.
The labial vestibule of the mandible is bounded by the mucosa, mandible, and lower lip. Infection in the anterior mandibular region (especially from lower anterior/premolar teeth with roots below the mylohyoid) typically spreads to the submandibular space. The sublingual space would be involved for teeth with roots above the mylohyoid attachment. Ludwig's angina involves both spaces bilaterally.