Author: Noha Elgendy, Ovijit Dey / Editor: Tim Osborne / Codes: / Published: 23/07/2025
A 42-year-old patient presents to the Emergency Department (ED) with swelling in the right side of his face. He explains that he had toothache in a right lower molar tooth 7 days earlier and he has now completed a course of antibiotics from his dentist.
On examination there is a central submental swelling extending to the submandibular regions, which are firm and tender on palpation. There is some trismus but no restriction of neck mobility or cervical lymphadenopathy. The tongue appears elevated.
