Cutaneous Dental Sinus Tract, a Common Misdiagnosis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Cutaneous sinus tracts of dental origin are often initially misdiagnosed and inappropriately treated because of their uncommon occurrence and the absence of symptoms in approximately half the individuals affected. Patients are often referred with a recurrent or chronic cyst, a furuncle, or an ulcer on the face or neck. Correct diagnosis is based on a high index of suspicion and on radiologic evidence of a periapical root infection. Appropriate treatment results in predictable and rapid healing of these lesions. We present a case report of this common misdiagnosis and a review of the literature with regard to diagnosis and treatment.