Dentoalveolar infections.

Dentoalveolar infections represent a wide spectrum of conditions, from simple localized abscesses to deep neck space infections. The initial assessment of the patient with a dentoalveolar infection requires considerable clinical skill and experience, and determines the need for further airway management or emergent surgical therapy. Knowledge of head and neck fascial space anatomy is essential in diagnosing, understanding spread, and surgically managing these infections. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons must make use of their wide spectrum of clinical skill and knowledge to effectively evaluate and treat patients with dentoalveolar infections.