An abscess of the permanent mandibular central incisor may lead to which type of space infection?

An abscess of the permanent mandibular central incisor can lead to a submental space infection. This is because the submental space is located beneath the chin and is closely associated with the roots of the mandibular incisors. When an infection occurs in the roots of these teeth, it can easily spread to the submental space due to its proximity.

Infections that originate from teeth in the anterior mandible are particularly likely to localize in this area, as the roots of the mandibular incisors are typically angled and have a close relationship with the submental space. Therefore, an abscess in this region can result in swelling and the formation of pus, making the submental space a common site for such infections.

Other spaces like the masseteric, temporal, and pterygomandibular spaces are associated with different dental infections or anatomical structures and are less likely to be involved when the primary source of infection is an abscessed mandibular central incisor.