The presentation and complications of odontogenic septic shock. Report of a case.

Although most odontogenic infections spread locally to adjacent fascial spaces, usually contiguous with the offending odontogenic pathosis, occasionally such an infection can spread rapidly across the midline and appear on the opposite side of the face and neck. Debilitated chronic alcohol abusers who are nutritionally deficient are more likely to develop serious life-threatening infections, either through serious airway involvement as seen in Ludwig's angina or manifest as a gram-negative septicemia with life-threatening shock and even cardiac arrest, than the usual dental patient with cellulitis. Early recognition through a high index of suspicion and vigorous monitoring will pick up the initial manifestation of toxic shock, as noted in this case report.