Odontogenic Cutaneous Fistula

A 42-year-old woman presented with swelling and pain on the right side of her chin, without dental symptoms. Physical exam showed a scabbed skin dimple, and intraoral inspection revealed discoloration of the mandibular right lateral incisor. Imaging confirmed periapical rarefaction and osteolysis, leading to a diagnosis of odontogenic cutaneous fistula, an external manifestation of chronic tooth-root infection due to trauma. Treated with root canal therapy, the lesion resolved by 4-month follow-up. Clinicians are cautioned against misdiagnosis due to this condition’s atypical appearance and lack of oral symptoms.

A 42-year-old woman presented with swelling and pain on the right side of her chin, without dental symptoms. Physical exam showed a scabbed skin dimple, and intraoral inspection revealed discoloration of the mandibular right lateral incisor. Imaging confirmed periapical rarefaction and osteolysis, leading to a diagnosis of odontogenic cutaneous fistula, an external manifestation of chronic tooth-root infection due to trauma. Treated with root canal therapy, the lesion resolved by 4-month follow-up. Clinicians are cautioned against misdiagnosis due to this condition’s atypical appearance and lack of oral symptoms.