Alveolitis after tooth extraction: causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention

Dental pathologies require timely and effective therapy, since neglect of the disease leads to the development of various kinds of complications. Among the triggering factors often include the mistakes of dentists who were made during the treatment.

Alveolitis after tooth extraction can be formed in the case of the introduction of pathogens into the patient's oral cavity by the use of poorly disinfected tools by a doctor. In this case, signs of pathology can occur far from immediately, but after some time. Inflammation of the socket occurs mainly after removal of the lower molars or wisdom tooth.

Violation feature

Alveolitis after tooth extraction is an inflammation that occurs in the wound after medical manipulations. It begins as a result of the penetration of pathogens and the development of infection. In some cases, such a violation may be in case of gum injury.

Removal of a tooth

After tooth extraction, the recovery process is delayed. Saliva and food debris accumulate in the wound, a process of decay occurs, which infects the wound and causes the development of infection. The cause of infection may be the removal of a wisdom tooth or molars, as well as complicated surgery. Such manipulations are considered difficult if:

  • teeth are very fragile and subject to crumbling;
  • the roots are curved;
  • only the root of the tooth remains.

All these cases necessarily require a gingival incision, cutting with boron, and tooth extraction in parts.

Forms of Violation

In dentistry, several types of alveolitis are distinguished after tooth extraction, each of which has characteristic manifestations. Among the main varieties, it is necessary to distinguish such as:

  • serous;
  • purulent;
  • acute;
  • chronic;
  • chronic purulent.

If treatment is not timely carried out at the initial stages of the course of the disorder, very serious complications can occur. Serous alveolitis after tooth extraction is an inflammation in which aching pain in the gums does not stop, but only increases significantly when chewing food. The temperature remains normal, and the patient's well-being is quite satisfactory. You can determine the course of the violation during the examination at the dentist. A similar form manifests itself within 3 days after tooth extraction. If treatment is not done within a week, dangerous complications can occur.

Acute alveolitis after the extraction of a wisdom tooth is characterized by acute pain, which does not subside even after taking the pain medication. A slight swelling occurs on the gum and cheek from the side of the extracted tooth. When you open your mouth and talk, a person feels discomfort and pain. An increase in temperature may additionally be observed. This form requires an urgent visit to the dentist and treatment.

Causes of Alveolitis

Chronic alveolitis of the well after tooth extraction develops after about a month of dental procedures. In this case, a purulent granuloma is formed. It looks like a capsule, painted in red-brown color. Over time, the alveolitis can grow, and also infectious fluid in the gums can accumulate inside, which leads to the formation of compaction.

Purulent alveolitis is mainly accompanied by bouts of acute pain, the formation of halitosis, fever, and weakness. The skin becomes pale. At the same time, painful sensations complicate the consumption of food. Gradually, soft tissues begin to swell, which leads to slight asymmetry of the face. Often there is an increase in lymph nodes. During the inspection, you can notice puffiness and the formation of a gray coating.

Chronic purulent alveolitis is very dangerous because during the course of this form of pathology normalization of health and a decrease in inflammation are observed. During the inspection, it is possible to note the proliferation of soft tissues near the hole. Small gaps form between the bone and soft tissue. Pus begins to stand out, and the mucous membrane acquires a bluish tint.

Causes of occurrence

Alveolitis after the removal of a wisdom tooth can occur for a variety of reasons. The provoking factors include:

  • penetration into the well of pathogens;
  • violation of the rules for dental procedures;
  • trauma to the gums or jaw;
  • the presence of soft plaque on the surface of the tooth.

Alveolitis can occur if, after tooth extraction, a blood clot has not formed that clogs the wound. At risk are patients with reduced immunity, an exhausted body, and poor blood coagulation.

Main symptoms

The first symptoms of alveolitis after tooth extraction occur approximately 3-4 days after the procedure. In particular, they include:

  • redness and swelling of the gums in the affected area;
  • grayish plaque formation;
  • purulent contents separation;
  • severe pain;
  • temperature rise;
  • general weakness and malaise;
  • swelling of the cheeks;
  • enlarged lymph nodes.
Main symptoms

Some symptoms of alveolitis after tooth extraction appear in the initial stages, while others, such as fever, pain, pus separation and swollen lymph nodes, indicate a severe course of inflammation. Self-medication or lack of therapy can lead to the penetration of infection into the deeper layers of bone tissue. That is why when the first signs of alveolitis occur after tooth extraction, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Diagnostics

To start treatment, you need to initially carry out a diagnosis, since only the doctor understands exactly what the alveolitis looks like after tooth extraction, and can take appropriate measures. The dentist examines the oral cavity to detect inflammation and other signs of the disorder.

Diagnostics

After a visual examination, the doctor prescribes an x-ray so that you can finally make a diagnosis.

Treatment methods

If after tooth extraction there are signs of alveolitis, you should consult a doctor. At the initial stage of the course of inflammation, anesthesia and painkillers are prescribed. After you carefully rinse your mouth with a solution of furatsilina to wash the leftover food from the hole. Foreign objects are scraped using surgical instruments. The wound is then treated with an antiseptic and dried with a gauze swab.

In the presence of severe inflammation, applications with an anti-inflammatory agent are used. To treat alveolitis after tooth extraction, dentists apply additional treatment methods. For this, anti-inflammatory drugs are used, antistatic blockade is performed. With the development of tissue necrosis, the use of proteolytic agents is indicated. They help cleanse the top of the wound from dead tissue.

Mouth rinse

With an advanced stage of alveolitis, dentists block the nerve with lidocaine. If necessary, physiotherapeutic techniques are additionally prescribed, such as:

  • microwave therapy ;
  • laser application;
  • ultraviolet radiation.

In addition, the patient is additionally prescribed warm rinses with special means, vitamins, analgesics. The course of therapy lasts for 7 days. Signs of an inflammatory process completely disappear after 2 weeks. Then re-examination is required.

Drug therapy

Treatment of alveolitis after tooth extraction is carried out by applying techniques such as:

  • anesthesia of the problem area by applying anesthesia;
  • treatment of wounds with antiseptics;
  • use of anestezin powder.

During therapy, antibiotics and antiseptics are used that help to disinfect the affected area, as well as destroy pathogens. For rinsing the oral cavity, apply:

  • "Sumamed";
  • Levofloxacin;
  • "Josamycin."
Medications

Anti-inflammatory drugs are used to eliminate inflammation and anesthesia of the affected area. It is recommended to use them together with medications that help normalize the functioning of the intestine and prevent a violation of the microflora. The most effective means are:

  • Ibuprofen
  • Ketonal;
  • Voltaren;
  • Nurofen
  • "Nimesulide."

Metrogil Denta is also prescribed for alveolitis after tooth extraction, as it helps eliminate pathogens. If the treatment is carried out surgically, then the use of local anesthetics is shown: novocaine, lidocaine, "Trimecaine".

Folk remedies

There are also certain folk remedies intended for external and internal use. External are used to disinfect the wound, eliminate inflammation and its speedy healing. Means for internal use help reduce pain and stop the development of inflammation.

You can apply a piece of cotton wool or bandage soaked in salt water to the wound. Salt helps speed up the healing process and disinfect the wound. You can also rinse the mouth with salt water, but this must be done very carefully. Such procedures are allowed to be performed no earlier than 24-48 hours after the operation.

Soda treatment helps to cope with the infection. From this tool you can prepare a solution and rinse several times a day. With severe inflammation of the hole, you need to eliminate the infection from the inside and clean the blood. To do this, you should eat daily on an empty stomach with a pinch of ground angelica root. The course of therapy should be carried out until the wound has completely healed.

Folk remedies

To eliminate discomfort, rinsing the oral cavity with a liquid prepared on the basis of sage will help. In severe cases, treatment is carried out with herbal collection, prepared on the basis of horsetail, chamomile and blackcurrant leaves. To do this, you need to prepare a decoction, insist it for several hours, and then take it daily. Treatment with this agent is carried out until the inflammation is completely eliminated. Such a tool helps to remove inflammation from the inside, relieve pain and swelling, and it also prevents the development of complications.

For oral problems, lemon is often used. It is able to eliminate inflammation of the tooth socket. To do this, rinse the oral cavity daily with lemon juice, previously diluted with water in a ratio of 1: 2. This will prevent the development of the inflammatory process and stop bleeding.

Aloe juice is a good remedy. To do this, mix the freshly squeezed juice of the plant in a 1: 1 ratio with strong liquor, cognac or rum. Soak the cotton swab with the mixture and apply it to the wound.

If pus is secreted from the wound, then it is recommended to rinse the oral cavity with infusion of immortelle. To do this, fill the grass with hot water, leave to insist until it cools completely, strain and rinse the oral cavity several times a day. In this case, you must try to keep the liquid as long as possible in the mouth.

Dentist's recommendations

To prevent alveolitis, dentists recommend that you properly care for your oral cavity. For 2 days after the operation, it is not recommended to rinse the oral cavity, so as not to disturb the blood clot that has formed on the surface of the hole.

For several days, you should abandon the consumption of hot food. Eat dishes only at room temperature, drink cold drinks and make cold compresses on the sick side. It is advisable to stop smoking, as tobacco smoke irritates the tissues of the oral cavity. It is necessary to temporarily exclude heavy physical exertion.

Do not touch the wound with your fingers and touch it with various objects. In the first few days after the operation, it is important to abandon mouth rinses.

Possible complications

Various complications of alveolitis after tooth extraction may develop, which include:

  • abscess;
  • phlegmon;
  • periostitis;
  • osteomyelitis;
  • sepsis.

The disease can also affect the deep layers of hard tissue, as a result of which not only the gums, but also the bones are destroyed.

Prophylaxis

Important is the prevention of alveolitis after tooth extraction, which implies:

  • informing the dentist about blood coagulation problems;
  • oral hygiene before tooth extraction;
  • compliance with all doctor's recommendations;
  • consumption of only soft foods.

In the first days after the operation, ice should be applied to the jaw. All medications must be prescribed by a doctor, and their independent use is prohibited.

Patient Reviews

Reviews about the treatment of alveolitis after tooth extraction are mostly good, the most important thing is to pay attention to the existing problem in a timely manner and consult a doctor. Many patients say that during the treatment it is important to strictly follow the recommendations of the dentist, take prescribed medications and use drugs to eliminate pus and inflammation. Running diseases of the gums and teeth lead to general health problems. All this negatively affects the internal organs, so any disease is better to prevent.


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