Dental periostitis (flux) is a doubly dangerous disease. Severe in itself, it can lead to complications. Periostitis can develop into an abscess or phlegmon – the most dangerous form of the disease.
With periostitis, pus is concentrated near the periosteum, while with an abscess it spreads more widely. With the development of phlegmon, purulent accumulations can indefinitely penetrate between the muscles of the face and neck.
Abscess
Abscess – a limited focus of purulent accumulation. The first symptom is toothache in the area of the affected tooth. Pressing on it causes increased pain. After a while, thickening and swelling of the soft tissues appear.
With the progression of the purulent process, a deterioration in the general condition, an increase in body temperature, a violation of appetite and sleep are observed.
Pus from an abscess can break out over time. In this case, the pain will subside, the asymmetry of the face will disappear, and overall well-being will improve. However, this is only an external restoration. The infection isn’t going anywhere. The disease process becomes chronic. There is an unpleasant smell from the mouth, intoxication of the whole organism increases.
In the initial stages, with a satisfactory condition, the patient is prescribed conservative treatment. But at a more advanced stage, to eliminate the source of infection and to prevent its spread to surrounding tissues, a surgical opening of the abscess is necessary, otherwise there is a risk that limited inflammation will develop into a spilled one. In this case, the abscess turns into a phlegmon.
Phlegmon
Phlegmon is a purulent inflammation of the tissue. Periomandibular phlegmon affects the maxillofacial region. With a superficial form of the disease, the subcutaneous tissue becomes inflamed, with a deep form – intermuscular.
Bacteria such as staphylococci, streptococci, anaerobes, dental spirochete can cause phlegmon. The development of the disease is associated with a deep penetration of the infection into soft tissues, the state of lymph outflow, and allergic reactivity of the body.
Phlegmon is prone to progression and spread. Pain in phlegmon is permanent. At first they are insignificant, later – growing.
When chewing, the pain becomes sharp, jaw mobility is disturbed, swallowing is difficult, respiratory and speech functions worsen. Asymmetry appears on the face in the form of swelling from the side of the affected gum.
The infection poisons the entire body, so symptoms characteristic of intoxication appear: chills, weakness, sweating, increased breathing and heart rate. The temperature may rise up to 40 °C.
The perimaxillary phlegmon is treated surgically through incisions, opening a purulent focus. Next, the pus is removed using rubber or gauze strips. The operation is performed under general anesthesia. The patient is given a large dose of antibiotics. In special cases, the outcome of the treatment of this disease is doubtful.
The inflammatory process in the oral cavity develops rapidly. An already dangerous flux can cause serious complications, so you should immediately contact your dentist. To temporarily relieve pain, you can take painkillers, rinse your mouth with antiseptics, or apply a compress to the sore spot. From taking antibiotics before the appointment of a specialist, it is better to refuse.
Author of the article: Muravitsky Boris Viktorovich, dentist, specially for the site ayzdorov.ru