A Rare Case of Superficial Temporal Space Abscess Arising from Lower Wisdom Tooth

Abstract

A superficial temporal space infection is a secondary infection that originate from the spread of infection from another facial space. It is located between the temporal fascia and Temporalis muscle and extends superiorly to the zygomatic arch and laterally to the lateral orbital rim; Submessetric space is considered the bottom of the superficial temporal space. An hourglass appearance is seen in the case of infection of the STS and submessetric space due to tight attachment of the temporal fascia and Zygomatic arch. A 31 years old healthy man, how had given different type of antibiotic over 20 days, came with moderate swelling in the submessetric space area with slight skin due to chronic fistula in this area and huge painless swelling in the temporal region left with sight deviation of the external helix. Ultrasound examination showed us a large amount of pus in the superficial space and only a small amount of pus in the submessetric space, as well as significant lymphadenopathy in the right submandibular lymph nodes. Surgical incision and drainage for abscess is carryout through Gillis approach extra-oral and intra-oral incision in buccal vestibule is carryout to reach submessetric abscess. On conclusion, a superficial temporal space infection is one of these facial space abscesses that need appropriate treatment. Proper antibiotic cover and re-evaluation of the patient is necessary in cellulitis stage, but surgical incision and drainage is mandatory in the abscess stage.