infections
Maxillofacial infections are one of the oldest disease processes treated by oral and maxillofacial surgeons. They commonly present to the office, or in severe cases to the hospital emergency room. Although the majority of infections can be treated in a non-emergent fashion, early recognition and correct management of severe infections can be lifesaving.
Knowledge of the surgical anatomy, and path of spread of infections in the head and neck is fundamental in correct diagnosis and treatment. The ability of severe infections of the sublingual, submandibular, and parapharyngeal spaces to cause airway compromise, cavernous sinus thrombosis, and the possibility or mediastinal spread of infection have been causes of mortality and morbidity, especially in the medically compromised patient that present late in the disease process.
Despite the availability of a wide spectrum of antimicrobial agents and increasing knowledge of microbiology, the treatment of maxillofacial infections remains primarily surgical. Removal of the source of infection and establishment of adequate drainage for elimination of the purulent material is the best treatment. Adequate antibiotic coverage is however important and should not be overlooked.
Treatment of Oral and Maxillofacial Infections
Pathological Diseases
Pathologic disease of the head and neck encompass a wide spectrum of disorders with associated maxillofacial or systemic involvement:
- Benign neoplasm of the lower lip.
- Salivary gland stone X-ray.
- Infectious (e.g. bacterial, viral, fungal infections)
- Traumatic etiology (e.g. irritation fibroma)
- Neoplastic. Epithelial, connective tissue, glandular, lymphatic, osseous, muscle, and vascular tumors that can be characterized as either benign or malignant tumors. Metastatic disease to the head and neck are by definition malignant.
- Immunologic mediated disorders (e.g.rheumatoid arthritis)
- Side effects or other medical or surgical therapy (e.g. osteoradionecrosis)
- Cysts of the head and neck (inflammatory and non inflammatory cysts)
- Pathologic processes related to the regional anatomy (e.g. sialolithiasis)
- Congenital malformations (cleft lip and palate)
- Degenerative disorders (osteoarthritis)
- Iatrogenic (e.g. intra operative damage to a cranial nerve)
- Idiopathic (e.g. aphthous ulcers)
- Vasculitis (e.g. temporal arteritis)
Dr. Bagheri can assist in the diagnosis and treatment of all of the above facial pathological processes. If you are interested in learning more, we will be happy to schedule your consultation with Dr. Bagheri at one of our offices around the metro Atlanta area (including Marietta, Alpharetta, Hiram, and McDonough, Dawsonville, Strockbridge and Suwanee)
