Focal infection

Author: Newman HN.

Source: Journal of Dental Research

Year: 1996

Comment:

Abstract / Excerpt:

Focal infection of oral origin may derive from closed or open sites. Open foci include caries lesions, periodontal pockets, and extraction sockets; closed foci, infection around root apices, unerupted but infected teeth, and infected pulps (Newman, 1968). Focal infection leading to infective endocarditis can even occur via a dens in dente (Whyman and MacFadyen, 1994). From the oral foci, microorganisms- bacterial, viral, or other-or their products may gain entry to the deeper tissues directly, by spreading along fascial planes, through bony cavities, or even along blood or lymph vessels or nerves, or via salivary gland mucous surfaces. Can one die of such simple chronic infection? One may cite the coroner’s court, but there is also extensive literature evidence.

Citation: Newman HN. Focal infection. Journal of Dental Research. 1996;75(12):1912-9.