An unusual route of odontogenic infection from the mandible to the orbit through the facial spaces, resulting in blindness: a rare case report

Orbital infection is a rare complication of odontogenic infections, mostly originating from maxillary teeth. In our case, we present one of the unusual routes by which an odontogenic infection of a lower molar tooth has spread into the orbit. A 67-year-old uncontrolled diabetic patient was referred to our hospital with a complaint of a swollen right masseteric region and orbital infection following a dental procedure on the right mandibular third molar. Computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple abscesses localized in the masseteric and infratemporal spaces, extending into the orbital cavity through bony erosion in the lateral orbital with no sinus involvement. Improper treatment and poorly controlled diabetes resulted in the extensive spread of the infection. Clinical and radiological reevaluation has played a major role in the management of our case by elucidating the route of infection and localizing abscess foci accurately.