Purulent alveolitis

Purulent alveolitis is a purulent inflammation of the dental bed that often arises from untreated alveolitis sicca or as a complication after tooth extraction. Inflammation appears on the third to fourth day after extraction. It occurs more often in the teeth of the lower jaw, especially in the third molars (the lowest part of the mandible). Previously, alveolitis was called " dolor post extractionem " = pain after extraction.

Causes
Infection of the coagulum by infected granulations left in the periapical space. Other possible causes are left broken roots that are infected, or bruising of the bed during extraction.

Speeches

 * The bed is filled with a foul-smelling grey-green coagulum.
 * The area around the bed is usually swollen and red.
 * The temperature can be increased up to 38 °C, the lymph nodes are enlarged.
 * Foetor ex ore.
 * If the inflammation penetrates the spongiosa of the bone, there is a risk of developing osteomyelitis.

Therapy
It is necessary to excochleate the bed under local anesthesia and then remove the granulations, after excochleation the bed is filled with blood and a new blood coagulum is formed. This is followed by an antiseptic wash, tamponade of the bed with a mule drain with antiseptics and petroleum jelly or tamponade with a paste (e.g. Alveogyl). It is advisable to administer analgesics against severe pain. We use antibiotics only at high temperatures.

Related Articles

 * Alveolitis sicca
 * Tooth extraction
 * Complications during tooth extraction
 * Inflammation around the upper jaw