Skip to main content
2026 AAPD Annual Meeting Main banner
Cheng Crowns
Information & Legend
This session is not in your schedule.
This session is in your schedule. Click again to remove it.
Presentation Icons
Ticket Required
Ticket Required
Sold Out
Sold Out
Recorded Session
Recorded Session
Rate ePoster

Caries

390 - Investigating Odontogenic Sources of Facial Swellings in Pediatric Patients

Saturday, May 23, 2026
2:15 PM - 2:30 PM PST
Has Audio

    Presenting Author(s)

  • Lena Syed, DMD

    Resident
    UConn
    University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine
    Enfield, Connecticut, United States

    • Research Mentor(s)

  • JR

    Jorge Rabat, DDS

    Associate Professor
    University of Connecticut
    University of Connecticut
    Farmington, Connecticut, United States

    • Program Director(s)

  • RP

    Rosa E. Pelaez-Shelton, DDS,MDS

    Assistant Professor
    University of Connecticut Health Ctr & Connecticut Children's Med Ctr
    Farmington, Connecticut, United States

Abstract: Purpose

The objective of this study was to investigate the dental characteristics of odontogenic extraoral facial swellings in patients who presented to the Connecticut Children’s Emergency Department between 2018-2019. The study aimed to investigate the associations between the extent or types of tooth decay and the presence of extraoral swellings.



Methods

In this retrospective study, Axium records were screened to include acute apical abscesses involving primary teeth which manifested as extraoral swellings. Using clinical and radiographic findings, factors such as the specific teeth associated with the swelling, the extent of tooth decay involved, and the classification of the decay involved, were investigated.





Results

Most cases involved lateral-face swelling (74 (92.5%)), while anterior-face swelling was less common (6 (7.5%)). Periorbital or neck extension was present in 16 (20.0%) cases, and intraoral swelling was documented in 47 (58.8%) cases. The dominant tooth group was molars, accounting for 69 (86.2%) of cases, and cases were split equally in the maxilla (39(48.8%)) and mandible (39 (48.8%)). Multi-tooth involvement occurred in 19 (23.8%) cases, indicating that most cases localized to a single dominant odontogenic source despite the clinical severity of presentation. Primary decay accounted for 57 (71.2%) of the cases, and secondary decay accounted for 9 (10.0%) of the cases. Presence of a restoration with no evidence of decay was associated with 15 (18.8%) of the swellings. Presence of a parulis was reported in 16 (20%) of the cases. Pulpal involvement was present in 58 (72.5%) of decay, and dentinal involvement was present in 14 (17.5%) of decay. 




Conclusion
This study emphasizes the importance of early intervention in preventing serious sequelae of caries and the consequences affecting the surrounding tissues of the tooth.

Identify Supporting Agency and Grant Number: Research supported by the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine.