Chapter 35: Lymphatics and the Spread of Dental Infection

Twenty Q&A flashcards covering lymphatics, fascial spaces, and the spread of dental infections (periodontal and apical) including Ludwig’s angina and maxillary infection routes.

What is the lymphatic system a component of?

The immune system.

What happens to extracellular fluid in the lymphatic system?

It is picked up by lymphatic vessels, flows through a series of nodes, and is returned to the venous system.

Lymph nodes drain in which sequence?

Primary, secondary, and tertiary nodes.

What condition may be present when someone has a sore throat related to lymph nodes?

Lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes).

What are the spaces between muscle and tissue layers called?

Fascial spaces.

If infection doesn’t drain through the lymphatics, how can it spread?

It can break through bone and spread through the layers between tissue or muscle.

What dental infection causes swelling in the gingiva?

Periodontal infection.

Apical infections can cause swelling on which sides of the tooth?

Buccal or lingual.

A buccal apical infection drains into what area?

The oral cavity (gumboil).

A lingual apical infection can spread to which spaces relative to the mylohyoid line?

Sublingual (above) or submental (below) the mylohyoid line.

What is Ludwig’s angina?

Infection of the submental space.

If Ludwig’s angina is left untreated, which spaces may it spread to?

Pharyngeal space or retropharyngeal space.

What is a potential rapid outcome of Ludwig’s angina?

Death may occur quickly.

Where can a maxillary infection spread to first?

The brain.

Besides the brain, which spaces can maxillary infection spread to?

Pharyngeal spaces.

What is the term for the drainage of buccal apical infection into the oral cavity?

Gumboil.

Name two main categories of dental infections described in the notes.

Periodontal and apical infections.

Which space is located below the mylohyoid line?

Submental space.

Which space lies above the mylohyoid line?

Sublingual space.

What is the clinical significance of infections spreading to pharyngeal or retropharyngeal spaces?

They can threaten the airway and be life-threatening.

Which spaces may be involved if a dental infection spreads beyond the oral cavity toward the throat?

Pharyngeal spaces (and retropharyngeal space in some cases).