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Dental pain is a common reason for emergency department visits. These patients often experience prolonged length of stay and additional radiation exposure while awaiting CT imaging of the face. A recent case study highlights the potential role of POCUS in evaluating suspected dental abscesses.
In this report, clinicians used a high-frequency linear probe placed externally along the jawline. By orienting the probe to visualize the bony cortex of the mandible or maxilla and the dental root insertion, they identified a hypoechoic collection abutting the bone. When absent on the contralateral side and interpreted in the appropriate clinical context, this finding can suggest an abscess.
For further details, including imaging examples and technique demonstrations, see the referenced article and supplemental videos.
References
Hoffer JT, Park R, Brenner DS. "Is My Face Swollen?"-Utilizing Point-of-Care Ultrasound to Diagnose Odontogenic Infections. J Emerg Med. 2025 Oct 25;80:165-176. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2025.10.032.