Odontogenic Fascial Space Infections in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Dentistry Department, Preah Ang Duong Hospital

Odontogenic infections are the most common conditions affecting the head and neck region. They can originate from a tooth or from its supporting structures, generally secondary to pulp necrosis, periodontal disease, pericoronitis or periapical lesions. They can also result as complications of dental procedures. Some types of odontogenic fascial space infections can progress to become life threatening. The purpose of this study was to analyze the incidence and types of odontogenic facial space infections, related medically compromised diseases, and management of these patients who underwent treatment at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department of Preah Ang Duong Hospital, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. A cross-sectional descriptive study was performed as a one-year study, from 2024 until 2025. All patients presenting with odontogenic facial space infectionwere included. In this study, the majority of patients had encountered severe fascial space infections namely submental, bilateral submandibular and sublingual space cellulitis (Ludwig’s angina). Diabetes was found as the most common medically compromised disease affecting the healing process. The management of the odontogenic facial space infection requires aggressive treatment to avoid further spread of the infection causing morbidity or mortality. Early diagnosis and management of odontogenic facial space infections are requisites for avoiding or minimizing the development of potential complications. Therefore, dentists should be able to identify and refer patients early to the oral and maxillofacial surgeon who is trained to manage the cases effectively