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Oral Surgery · single question

An infection from a maxillary premolar is MOST likely to spread to which anatomical space?

  1. Submandibular space
  2. Buccal space
  3. Canine space (infra-orbital space)
  4. Pterygomandibular space
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. Canine space (infra-orbital space)

  • A. Incorrect. The submandibular space is involved by infections from mandibular molars — not maxillary premolars.
  • B. Incorrect. The buccal space can be involved by maxillary molar infections (if the apex is above the buccinator origin) but the premolar's specific spread pattern targets the canine space.
  • C. Correct. Infections from MAXILLARY PREMOLARS (and canines) typically spread to the CANINE SPACE (infra-orbital/canine fossa). The roots of the maxillary premolars and canine are positioned such that periapical infections break through the labial alveolar bone above/below the canine fossa, presenting as swelling in the mid-face / infra-orbital region.
  • D. Incorrect. The pterygomandibular space is involved by mandibular third molar infections.

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