The clinical relevance of microbiology specimens in orofacial abscesses of dental origin.

Introduction: It is common surgical practice to take a specimen for microbial culture and susceptibility (MC&S) when draining an orofacial abscess. The aim of this study was to determine if routine MC&S has any therapeutic value in the care of these patients.

Methods: A retrospective study was undertaken of records of patients admitted for surgical management of orofacial abscesses between January 2010 and December 2011.

Giant salivary calculi of the submandibular gland.

Sialolithasis is the most common salivary gland disease. A case of an unusually large sialolith arising in the submandibular gland is presented, along with a review of the management of giant salivary gland calculi.

Numb chin syndrome: a metastatic deposit in the mandible.

Unlabelled: Metastatic deposits in the mandible are discussed and a case of leiomyosarcoma arising from a testicular primary is presented. The patient presented with symptoms typical of those that would present to a general dental practitioner. The various stages involved in the diagnosis and management of the condition are discussed.