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Oral Surgery · single question

A patient has an infection in the lower premolar area (1 PM tooth position) with lower eyelid swelling and inflammation. Through which anatomical space did the infection spread to reach the eye area?

  1. Buccal space
  2. Submandibular space
  3. Infraorbital space
  4. Masticator space
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. Infraorbital space

  • A. INCORRECT — Buccal space involvement from lower premolars would cause cheek swelling, not periorbital/eye swelling.
  • B. INCORRECT — Submandibular space is below the mandible; infection here presents as sublingual/submental swelling (Ludwig's angina risk), not periorbital swelling.
  • C. CORRECT — Infection from upper anterior teeth (or lower anterior via canine space) can spread to the INFRAORBITAL SPACE, located between the levator labii superioris and the maxilla, then potentially extend toward the orbit. Infraorbital space infection can threaten cavernous sinus via the ophthalmic veins.
  • D. INCORRECT — Masticator space involvement causes trismus and cheek/masseter swelling, not orbital involvement.

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