MANAGEMENT OF BUCCAL SPACE INFECTION ORIGINATING FROM A PRIMARY TOOTH IN A PEDIATRIC PATIENT: A CASE REPORT

*Dr. Geetika Dixit, Dr. Chaitra T. R., Dr. Seema Chaudhary, Dr. Naveen Manuja, Dr. Ashish Amit Sinha, Dr. Nida Niam

ABSTRACT

Space infections in pediatric patients can present rapidly and often follow an inadequately treated or mismanaged dental pathology. This case report presents the management of a buccal space infection in an 8-year-old male patient who reported to the Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry with swelling on the right side of the face. The patient had recently undergone a dental restoration elsewhere, which failed to address the underlying pathology. Upon clinical and radiographic evaluation, the previous restoration was removed, revealing an infected pulp. Chemomechanical preparation was performed, and the patient was prescribed antibiotics — Cefadroxil and Metronidazole — based on body weight to manage the infection. Once the swelling subsided, obturation was completed using zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE), followed by full coronal restoration with a stainless steel crown. The patient was asymptomatic at follow-up, demonstrating successful infection resolution and functional rehabilitation. This case highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis, infection control, and timely restorative intervention in pediatric endodontic cases.

Keywords: Pediatric dentistry, Buccal space infection, Chemomechanical preparation, Zinc oxide eugenol.