What Should You Know About Osteomyelitis?

Did you know dental caries can affect the underlying bones too?

Dental caries is a common problem that affects tooth greatly. This is due to the food debris accumulating on the surface or the proximal aspects of the tooth. 

Progression of dental caries:

Accumulation of food materials causes a reduction in pH . This acidic pH , causes demineralisation of tooth surface, with bacteria accumulation. 

Unresolved decay of tooth can cause wide spread infection to the nerves of the tooth- commonly called the pulp of the tooth

This infection to the pulp results in a condition called PULPITIS

If the infection of the pulp doesn't get resolved, it can resul in the spread of infection to the periapical region. The space where the tooth is supported inside the socket gets widened resulting in a periapical infection. 

    It results in a periapical abscess-  A localized radiolucent infection involving the periapical space.

A Long standing periapical abscess can result in the formation of cyst. The abcess gets lined by an epithelial lining forming a cyst

if the cyst is long standing and is not resolved it can result in infection spreading to the underlying bone

This condition is called osteomyelitis

Osteomelitis can again be of  types:

Acute osteomyelitis: 

 Duration of onset is less than  weeks. It  is often caused by bacterial infection that isnt resolved. The symptoms include pain, swelling, foul smell in the area of infection, and in case of acute osteomyelitis the infection is fast spreading. The nature of pain is severe, throbbing type of a pain that can be continous and unbearable. Patients may also present with a high grade fever.

Chronic Osteomyelitis:

 This involves spread of infection to the bone and is usually long standing in a duration more than  or  months. However the pain of chronic osteomyelitis are not as severe as acute osteomyelitis . The pain is dull aching and lingering type of pain again characterized by a mild swelling. But the symptooms are not as severe as acute osteomyletitis.

What are the common complications of osteomyelitis of the basal bone of jaws.

 The inevitable consequences of an untreated osteomyelitis can cause

a. Bone deformity that can be permanent

b. Septicemia: The jaw bones will act as a source of infection to your body. The bacteria accumulated can spread via your blood stream . This can cause septicemia

c.Sinus tract formation; A fistula. An abnormal formation of a lined passage between yor bone and a skin. This can cause serious complicatons to your health

d.Fatality:As bacteria accumulates, septic shock can occur causing death.

Permanent bone deformation

Keeping in mind the various risk factors that a simple problem like your decayed tooth can pose, maintaining your oral health.

A proper check of your oral hygiene and treating it even in the beginning can be beneficial.

 Periodic checkups can also help you diagnose your problems early and keep in check. Book your appointments with your dentist to refine your general health through your oral wellness......