Sutton and Sutton1 state that the rarely mentioned sinus tract of dental origin can lead to an asymptomatic cold abscess which eventually ruptures through the skin. Because of gravitational forces, the fistula usually terminates on the chin. Anderson,2 in a complete review of the subject, cites the fact that the cutaneous findings may simulate actinomycosis or granuloma pyogenicum.
REPORT OF A CASE
Mr. J. D., 24 yr. old, was first seen on Nov. 14, 1949, with a granuloma pyogenicum located on the midaspect of the chin (Fig. 1). It had persisted for eight months despite repeated electrocoagulation, antibiotics, and radiation. Past history revealed that the patient had received a blow on the chin during a fight a year previously.On physical examination, no obvious dental defects were found, but roentgenograms demonstrated a large apical abscess surrounding the two lower incisors (Fig. 2). After extraction of these two incisors,