Mandibular odontogenic infection with serious complications.

Orbital cellulitis usually begins as an infection of the paranasal sinuses. While a small percentage of cases are of dental origin, these usually involve the maxillary teeth. In the case reported here orbital cellulitis originated from an infection in the mandible and spread through the pananasal sinuses, deep facial circulation, and orbital tissues, resulting in unilateral blindness. Principles of management and possible pathways for the spread of the infection are discussed.