Non-surgical healing of a cutaneous facial sinus tract of dental origin: a case report

Extra oral sinus of dental origin can occur when the purulent by-products of pulpal necrosis spread along the path of least resistance from the root apex of the tooth to the skin on the face. Patients that present with a cutaneous sinus have usually visited a general physician or dermatologist first, as the lesion can often mimic a dermatologic pathology. The presentation and symptoms may cause confusion, and at times leading to unnecessary surgical interventions. Hence, diagnosis of an extraoral draining sinus of odontogenic origin and referal to a dental surgeon is very important for treatment of this condition.