Oral Surgery · single question
A patient has a space infection originating from an upper anterior tooth. What is the PRIMARY concern?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Orbital cellulitis (eye/orbital spread)
Upper anterior (canine space) infections drain superiorly toward the orbit via the angular and facial veins — which communicate with the ophthalmic veins and directly drain into the cavernous sinus. Orbital cellulitis is the PRIMARY concern for anterior maxillary space infections, potentially causing visual loss and cavernous sinus thrombosis.
- A. ❌ Ludwig's angina involves submandibular/sublingual spaces — posterior mandibular, not anterior maxillary.
- B. ✅ Orbital cellulitis — anterior space infections drain toward the orbit; this is the primary concern.
- C. ❌ Mediastinitis is a complication of deep neck space infections (retropharyngeal/parapharyngeal).
- D. ❌ Cavernous sinus thrombosis is a later downstream complication, not the primary immediate concern.