Infratemporal fossa (ITF) abscesses are a potentially life-threatening complication of odontogenic infections. This article details the progression of a 72-year-old man who developed a severe ITF abscess following a lower molar extraction. Initial antibiotic treatment failed to control the infection, leading to extensive swelling, trismus and involvement of the submandibular and ITF spaces. Surgical intervention, involving incision and drainage and extra-oral drainage placement, was required. Post-operatively, complications including abscess recollection, antibiotic resistance and temporalis muscle necrosis necessitated further surgical debridement. This case illustrates the complexity of managing ITF abscesses, particularly when complicated by tissue necrosis. A review of the literature highlights the diagnostic challenges of ITF abscesses, stressing the importance of early intervention and a multidisciplinary approach. The article also discusses broader systemic issues, including restricted access to dental care and increasing antibiotic resistance, which contribute to the rising incidence of odontogenic infections. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Infratemporal fossa abscesses are a serious complication of odontogenic infections.
Lockstone et al. (Sat,) studied this question.