Periapical infection masquerading as a nasal pustule

Abstract

Periapical infections may give rise to intraoral and extraoral complications. Extraoral manifestation of periapical infection without an accompanying dental symptom may lead to presentation first to Medical doctor. This is a case of pulpal necrosis of right maxillary central incisor (tooth #11) with a discharging sinus, in the floor of the right nostril. Failure to associate the discolored tooth #11 and a discharging sinus in the floor of the right nostril, lead to the initial presentation of the patient to the Otorhinolaryngologist. The recurrent discharge from the sinus continued despite prolonged antibiotics administration. This case report showed that extraoral sinus tract of dental origin in the nostril poses a diagnostic challenge. It is expected to raise awareness of clinicians about the unusual presentations of periapical infection. There is a need for examination of the maxillary incisors in patients presenting with nasal pustule.

Keywords: Endodontic treatment, Maxillary central incisor, Nasal pustule, Periapical infection, Root length