- Types of alveolitis
- 1. Dry honeycomb
- 2. Purulent alveolitis
- Possible causes
- What symptoms
- How the treatment is done
Alveolitis is characterized by an infection of the alveolus, which is the inner part of the bone where the tooth fits. Generally, an alveolitis occurs after a tooth is extracted and when a blood clot does not form or move, an infection develops.
Generally, alveolitis causes severe pain that appears 2 to 3 days after tooth extraction and that can last for several days if the problem is not treated in the meantime. If the person has recently extracted a tooth and feels a lot of pain, the ideal is to go to the doctor, to clean the area and to have the treatment done as soon as possible, which usually consists of ingesting antibiotics and anti- inflammatory.
Types of alveolitis
There are two types of alveolitis:
1. Dry honeycomb
In dry alveolitis, the bone and nerve endings are exposed, causing a lot of pain, which is constant and can radiate to the face, neck and ear.
2. Purulent alveolitis
In purulent alveolitis, pus production and bleeding can be seen, which can be caused by reactions to foreign bodies inside the alveolus, causing a bad smell and intense pain, but which is generally not as strong as in dry alveolitis..
Possible causes
Normally, alveolitis is formed due to a tooth extraction, when a clot is not formed or when it forms, but later moves or becomes infected.
There are some risk factors that can increase the chances of developing alveolitis, such as having an incorrect oral hygiene or having undergone a difficult or incorrect tooth extraction.
In addition, the anesthesia used in the extraction, the presence of existing infections close to the site, the use of cigarettes, mouthwashes that can remove the blood clot, use of oral contraceptives, failure to disinfect the site, diseases such as diabetes or clotting problems can also increase the risk of developing alveolitis.
What symptoms
The most common symptoms that can be caused by an alveolitis are severe toothache with radiation to the rest of the face, neck or ear, bad breath, changes in taste, swelling and redness, enlarged lymph nodes in the region, fever and presence of pus in case of purulent alveolitis.
How the treatment is done
As soon as the first symptoms appear, you should go to the doctor in order to start treatment as soon as possible. However, pain can be relieved by placing ice or rinsing the mouth with water and salt. Learn how to relieve toothache at home.
Generally, treatment consists of administering anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics, after the dentist has cleaned the area. The person must also reinforce oral hygiene at home, complementing the brushing of the teeth with a mouthwash.
The doctor may also recommend local anesthetics to reduce pain and put a medicated antiseptic paste, suitable for application inside the alveolus.
