Two Cases of Rare and Life Threatening Masticator Space Abscess

Abstract

ABSTRACT The masticator space is a deep facial space which is centered on the mandib ular ramus and outlined by the superficial layer of the deep cervical fascia. A masticator space abscess commonly represents an advanced stage of an odontogenic infection indicated by facial pain, swelling and trismus. Mas ticator space abscess may have a life threatening prognosis if they are not diagnosed and treated properly. They are very rarely seen and published in fections in the literature, which make their diagnosis more important. Due to difficulty of physical examination of the region, the value of computed tomography or magnetic resonance investigation on diagnosis of mastica tor space abscess is important. This report describes two cases of masticator abscess who came to the clinic with trismus and facial pain complaints and both were surgically drained and postoperatively administered with anti biotics.