Cavernous sinus thrombosis is a rare and often forgotten complication after dental extraction. Patients who have a compromised immune system may have more significant morbidity and decreased survivability in cavernous sinus infections. In this report, we discuss a 50-year-old male who developed systemic symptoms eight days after an upper molar extraction and was found unconscious by his wife. The patient was brought into the emergency department for intensive treatment. At presentation, the patient displayed proptosis of the right eye, conjunctival chemosis, erythema of the right eyelid extending down to the right cheek and partial ophthalmoplegia. Computed tomography (CT) scans revealed cavernous sinus thrombosis and superior ophthalmic vein thrombosis. The patient was admitted under the intensive care unit, accumulated suppuration was surgically drained and intravenous antibiotics and heparin infusions were given. After a prolonged admission in the hospital, involving many complications, the patient made a full recovery. Sharing this case report allows further education on possible complications of routine dentistry within the greater dental community. 

Burhanuddin Haidermota graduated with a Bachelor’s of Dentistry with first class honours from the University of Otago, New Zealand. Since his graduation he has worked with the oral and maxillofacial surgery unit at Auckland which services a population greater than 2 million people. He has been heavily involved with oral and maxillofacial surgery and intends to complete medical school on his pathway to becoming an oral and maxillofacial surgeon himself.