A clinical dimple on facial skin related to dental origin: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Facial skin may experience many clinical manifestations which are numerous and need accurate diagnosis to reach the best treatment immediately and effectively. Dimpling of the skin may be diagnosed improperly due to lack of information related to diseases of dental origin. The objective of this study is to provide clarity on dental diagnosis and treatment options for extraoral dimpling caused by odontogenic infections.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 19-year-old girl presented with a dimple on her facial skin developed during the last month before her consultation. The dimple was located where a vertical line from the distal canthus crosses a horizontal line from the nasal alar. No systemic disease was discovered, and the dental history revealed recurrent failure of root canal treatment in the upper first molar.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Cutaneous sinuses originating from dental issues are characterized by a connection between the skin surface and a periapical dental abscess, which is caused by a long-dated tooth infection. Due to the patient's previous dental abscess in close proximity to the skin defect, a clinical diagnosis of an odontogenic cutaneous sinus was established.

CONCLUSION: It is crucial to recognize that skin lesions in the face and neck area can be a result of odontogenic infections. Careful clinical and radiographic examinations should be conducted to accurately diagnose and differentiate these conditions. By identifying the tooth associated with the lesion, unnecessary medications and incorrect interventions can be avoided, ensuring the implementation of appropriate treatment.