The periosteum of a tooth resembles a dense film that almost completely covers its root. With the development of an inflammatory process in this area, they speak of periostitis. In the people, this disease is called "flux". Severe pain, swelling and hyperthermia are just some of the symptoms that characterize it. If you do not see a doctor in time or neglect treatment, you can lose a tooth.
What is periostitis?
The periosteum of a tooth is a vascular tissue consisting of many nerve fibers and cells. Together they form young bone. It is the main link for fastening the tooth with muscle tissue and ligaments. Due to such close proximity and a large number of vessels, any infection spreads freely in the periosteal elements, provoking an inflammatory process. This mechanism of development has periostitis.
The disease can occur at any age, but is rarely diagnosed in children and the elderly. A favorite place for the localization of the pathological processconsidered to be the teeth of the lower jaw. They are more likely to suffer from various dental ailments. However, periostitis is most dangerous for the teeth of the upper jaw. In addition to bone tissue and gum mucosa, the sinuses themselves may be affected.
Main reasons
There are a great many reasons for the development of periostitis. The teeth in the oral cavity are in constant work. With improper care, they become a real target for various dental diseases.
Inflammation of the periosteum of the tooth most often occurs as a result of an infectious process. Food remains constantly accumulate in its cavity or in the gum area. Over time, they begin to rot. From the top of the tooth, pus forms a channel in the bone tissue, trying to break out. Breaking through all obstacles, he stops under the periosteum.
Among other causes of periostitis, dentists distinguish:
- traumatic damage to the tooth, surrounding tissues;
- started carious process;
- inflammation of the gum pocket;
- neglect of the rules of oral care;
- infection with the bloodstream.
Decreased immunity, stress and frequent hypothermia also contribute to the development of pathology.
Symptoms of inflammation of the periosteum
The inflammatory process begins immediately after infection or traumatic damage to the gums. Within a few hours, severe swelling develops in this area. The gums increase in size, painful discomfort appears while eating.
Gradually, periostitis of the tooth spreads to neighboring soft tissues. As a result, the jaw, chin and lips swell slightly. Palpation may cause pain. In some people, the asymmetry of facial contours becomes clearly visible. The whole process is necessarily accompanied by hyperthermia. If you do not seek medical attention at this stage, an abscess may develop in the affected area.
What other symptoms does tooth periostitis have? Outwardly, the affected area looks like a swollen mucous substance with a cloudy white coating. The tooth becomes excessively mobile. When the inflammatory process is accompanied by suppuration, the serous fluid is constantly trying to escape from the capsule. With a positive result, self-cleansing of the cavity occurs. However, without adequate treatment, cases of relapse are not excluded. Abscesses will reappear at some intervals.
Classification of periostitis
Any disease differs in forms corresponding to the clinical picture. Only a qualified specialist can determine the stage of the pathological process and its type. To do this, it is not enough for him to conduct a physical examination. Additionally, a snapshot of the affected area, a study of the patient's history may be required.
Tooth periostitis is usually classified into 2 types: acute and chronic. In the first case, the disease is characterized by the rapid formation of edema, multiple fistulas. Through the formed passages, an outflow of purulent secretion occurs. Chronic periostitis is characterized by a slow course, itssymptoms appear days or weeks after gum infection.
The acute form of the disease is divided into the following types:
- Serous periostitis. Accompanied by the formation of a small amount of serous exudate, infiltration of the periosteum.
- Purulent periostitis. It is characterized by the appearance of an abscess and the formation of fistulous passages through which pus flows out. Otherwise, serous discharge begins to accumulate, severe swelling occurs.
The chronic form of the disease also has several stages of development:
- Simple periostitis. It is characterized by the formation of new bone tissue on the surface of the jaw. This process is considered reversible.
- Ossifying periostitis. Accompanied by ossification and hyperostosis. The disease progresses very quickly.
Fibrous periostitis of the tooth also belongs to the chronic form of the disease. According to the degree of damage, it is limited and diffuse. In the first case, there is a fibrous thickening of the periosteum in the area of one tooth, and in the second - on the entire jaw.
Diagnostic Methods
To make a correct diagnosis, the doctor needs not only to examine the patient's oral cavity, but also to conduct a comprehensive examination. The patient is prescribed an x-ray of the jaw to determine the boundaries of the focus of inflammation. With a purulent form of the disease, a general blood test is mandatory.
Other dental pathologies have a similar clinical picture, which must be distinguished. ATotherwise, the prescribed treatment will be ineffective, and the periostitis of the tooth will go into a chronic stage.
Differential diagnosis is carried out with the following diseases:
- Acute periodontitis. It is characterized by the development of an inflammatory process at the root apex. Reaching the stage of exacerbation, purulent exudate breaks out, forming a fistulous passage.
- Abscesses, phlegmon, lymphadenitis. These pathologies are accompanied by the appearance of dense formations. The skin above them is slightly hyperemic.
- Inflammation of the salivary glands. A purulent secret is secreted from the salivary ducts. Teeth and gums remain intact.
- Acute osteomyelitis. With this disease, the temperature rises sharply, the patient feels chills throughout the body. Headaches may occur.
Based on the results of complex diagnostics, the doctor prescribes therapy.
Medication treatment
Regardless of the form of the disease, therapy always begins with the appointment of medications. For example, with purulent periostitis, antibiotics are recommended. The following agents are characterized by the greatest efficiency: "Lincomycin", "Tsiprolet", "Amoxicillin". For topical application, various gels and ointments are used, also made on the basis of antibiotics (Levomekol, Metrogil-Denta). With a strong inflammatory process, it is better to drink tablets or capsules. Flux treatment with antibiotics is continued until the symptoms disappear completely.
Additionally prescribed anti-inflammatorymedicines. Usually it is Nimesil or Diclofenac. These drugs not only relieve inflammation, but also relieve pain.
You need to understand that drug therapy is part of the whole course of treatment. Therefore, when the first symptoms of periostitis appear, you should consult a doctor. Uncontrolled and prolonged use of drugs can not only harm, but also aggravate the course of the disease.
Surgery
Treatment of flux with antibiotics is justified only at the initial stage of the development of the disease. If the patient ignored its first manifestations and did not consult a doctor, an abscess may appear. In this case, surgical intervention is indispensable. The operation is carried out in order to create conditions for the full outflow of purulent secretion, to eliminate the source of infection. It consists of the following steps:
- First, the dentist examines the focus of inflammation, determines the course of treatment and selects the type of anesthesia. Usually a conductive or infiltration option is used.
- After treatment of the oral cavity, the doctor makes an incision of about 2 cm. The depth of periodontal excision is reached by the jaw bone tissue.
- The opened abscess is thoroughly cleaned, treated with a disinfectant solution.
- The next step is the preparation of the dental crown.
- Medicines are injected into the cleaned canals, the tooth itself is sealed.
In especially serious cases, tooth extraction is indicated.
Recovery after surgery
Tooth periostitis, treatmentwhich is carried out in a timely manner, is practically not accompanied by complications. However, after surgery, it is important to follow certain rules. With their help, the rehabilitation process will go faster, and the risk of negative consequences will be zero.
The recovery period includes rinsing the mouth with antiseptic solutions, the use of analgesics, and good hygiene. Since the likelihood of recurrence still exists, it is necessary to examine the cured teeth every day. Both the gums and the tissues around them can re-inflame.
Periostitis completely disappears in 10 days. During this time, only food at room temperature is allowed. In this case, special attention should be paid to its consistency. Meat is recommended to grind into minced meat, and mash vegetables and fruits. After each meal, you need to rinse your mouth with antiseptics. You can buy them at every pharmacy.
How to remove flux at home?
The use of folk remedies in the fight against the disease is permissible. However, you must first consult a doctor and eliminate the cause of the abscess. Otherwise, such treatment will only ease the symptoms, but will not lead to a full recovery.
How to remove flux at home? Among the variety of folk remedies, the following are especially effective:
- rinsing with a weak solution of soda;
- use of infusions and decoctions based on anti-inflammatory medicinal plants (sage, chamomile, mint,calendula);
- applying ice to the affected area to reduce swelling.
It is important to understand that periostitis is an inflammatory process, so it is impossible to heat the gums and teeth. The same principle must be followed when using compresses and rinses. The temperature of the water in the infusions should not exceed 25 degrees.
Prevention measures
To prevent inflammation of the periosteum of the tooth, it is necessary to treat all foci of infection in a timely manner. This applies to minor caries and serious forms of periodontitis. Many chronic diseases are asymptomatic and can only be seen on x-rays. For the purpose of prevention, dentists recommend periodically undergoing examinations and professional teeth cleaning.
