Which condition is characterized by involvement of bilateral submandibular, sublingual, and submental spaces?

Ludwig's angina is a serious, potentially life-threatening bilateral, diffuse cellulitis of the submandibular and sublingual spaces, often resulting from infections of the second or third molars. In this condition, both sides of the floor of the mouth swell, leading to edema and possible airway obstruction. The characteristic finding is the simultaneous involvement of both submandibular and sublingual spaces, which can also affect the submental area, resulting in a "brawny induration" of the tissue and a "frog-like" appearance of the neck.

Fascial space infection can involve various areas of the head and neck and is not limited to just the submandibular, sublingual, and submental spaces. It often describes a broader range of abscesses without specifically pointing out the bilateral nature seen in Ludwig's angina.

In contrast, a periapical abscess is localized to the root of a tooth and does not generally spread to the submandibular or sublingual spaces unless there is an extensive infection. A dentoalveolar abscess, similarly, is more localized to the area around a tooth and the supporting bone. Both of these conditions can lead to infections but do not