Loss of an eye as a result of an odontogenic infection

A 50-year-old woman presented at the outpatient clinic of the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery with a severe swelling around the left eye 1 week after removal of the second molar in the upper jaw. Despite administration of antibiotics 2 days after the removal of the molar because of periorbital swelling, the inflammation spread to the intraorbital space with eventual loss of the left eye. Timely recognition of the symptoms of (the onset of) an orbital infection after dental treatment and immediate referral to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and/or ophthalmologist for adequate treatment can be vision-saving. Fortunately, orbital infections with an odontogenic cause are rare.