An Unusual Odontogenic Cutaneous Sinus Tract to the Cervical Region: A Case Report

Odontogenic sinus tracts are the most common cause of a chronically draining papule of the face and neck. Sinus tracts of dental origin opening on the skin with the absence of oral symptoms are often misdiagnosed and can result in inappropriate and ineffective treatment. Cutaneous sinus tracts of odontogenic origin usually appear more commonly in the submandibular or submental regions. A case of an unusual presentation of a cutaneous sinus tract to the cervical region secondary to a periapical abscess of the left mandibular second molar tooth (described as tooth number 37 using Fédération Dentaire Internationale nomenclature) is presented. The case was successfully treated by extraction and the sinus tract healed. Patients with odontogenic cutaneous sinus tracts usually seek treatment from a physician rather than a dentist. Dermatologists and other physicians should be aware that dental extra-oral sinus tracts may be confused with skin lesions. A dental origin must be considered for any chronically draining sinus of the face or neck.