Rai, AshutoshRajput, RuchiKhatua, Rabindra KSingh, Mangal2012-07-312012-07-312011-01Rai Ashutosh, Rajput Ruchi, Khatua Rabindra K, Singh Mangal. Submasseteric abscess: A rare head and neck abscess. Indian Journal of Dental Research. 2011 Jan-Feb; 22(1): 166-168.http://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/139973The objective of the article is to highlight and make people aware of a rare abscess which is often missed or misdiagnosed. As only a few cases have been reported, the authors feel that reporting such a case would help in proper management of the disease. We are presenting a 6.5-year-old male child with 3 weeks history of right facial swelling in the parotid region, with low-grade fever and trismus. Submasseteric abscess is a rare abscess which is often misdiagnosed as a parotid abscess or parotitis. Only a few cases have been reported. The cause is mostly dental in origin. Intravenous antibiotics often fail to alleviate the symptoms as this is a closed space and needs prompt drainage. Therefore, awareness of this complication of dental infections is vital for proper diagnosis and timely management.enHead and neck abscessparotid abscesssubmasseteric abscessAbscess --complicationsAbscess --radiographyAbscess --therapyAnti-Bacterial Agents --therapeutic useChildCombined Modality TherapyDiagnosis, DifferentialDrainageHumansMaleMandibular Diseases --etiologyMandibular Diseases --pathologyMandibular Diseases --radiographyMandibular Diseases --therapyMasseter MuscleParotid Diseases --diagnosisToothache --complicationsToothache --radiographyToothache --therapyTreatment OutcomeArticle