Nonsurgical endodontic treatment of misdiagnosed odontogenic cutaneous sinus tracts: Two case reports

Abstract

Odontogenic cutaneous sinus tracts of endodontic origin can be clinically mistaken for various other diseases. Accurate diagnosis of this clinical presentation is crucial for delivering appropriate care because misdiagnosis can lead to healing failure or unnecessary treatment. Because sinus tracts of odontogenic origin can arise from various dental issues, a dental etiology must be considered for any sinus tract on the face or neck. The present report describes two cases of odontogenic cutaneous sinus tracts that were initially misdiagnosed but were then successfully treated with nonsurgical endodontic therapy. These cases emphasize the importance of accurate diagnosis and the utility of cone-beam computed tomography for identifying the origins of odontogenic cutaneous sinus tracts. This approach avoids unnecessary treatment and ensures effective management of odontogenic infections. Effective communication between medical and dental practitioners is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment, prevention of chronicity, and ensuring patient recovery. (Rev Port Estomatol Med Dent Cir Maxilofac. 2025;66(2):72-77) (c) 2025 Sociedade Portuguesa de Estomatologia e Medicina Dentaria. Published by SPEMD. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).