Necrotizing Fasciitis after Wisdom Tooth Removal

Abstract

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a serious, life-threatening subcutaneous soft tissue infection. NF can progress rapidly and evade detection as it may or may not be visible on the surface of the skin, which makes high level of suspicion crucial in early and rapid identification of high-risk patients to improve clinical outcomes [1]. Two types of NF are generally recognized, Type I which is a polymicrobial infection, and Type II which is a monomicrobial or polymicrobial associated with group A Streptococcus (GAS) infection [2]. NF involves the groin, abdomen and extremities more commonly, but it may involve the head and neck as well [3]. Predisposing factors include old age, immunocompromised status (such as diabetes and chronic illness, etc.) and malnutrition.