We report a case of orbital cellulitis with subperiosteal abscess secondary to dental extraction.

A 55 ‐ year ‐ old man presented to the emergency department with severe erythematous, painful swelling of the left periorbital area and the upper cheek after extraction of the left maxillary molar and premolar teeth. Computed tomography scan demonstrated marked periorbital inflammation and medial displacement of the left lateral rectus muscle by subperiosteal abscess extending along the lateral orbital wall. After a 10 ‐ day course of intravenous broad spectrum antibiotics and a 7 ‐ day course of oral prednisolone, he achieved complete resolution of all clinical symptoms and signs.

Physicians should keep in mind that orbital complications may occur after oral surgery. A high level of suspicion in a patient with preceptal signs and a history of recent tooth infection or extraction is needed to avoid missing a diagnosis.