Alveolar osteitis

In some cases, after tooth extraction, instead of improvement, pain, gum swelling, and unpleasant breath odor may appear. Such symptoms may indicate alveolitis — a complication that requires timely dental treatment. Ignoring the problem may lead to an increase in the inflammatory process and delayed tissue healing.

At the «Oxford Medical» clinic, alveolitis treatment is carried out in accordance with modern clinical protocols. Doctors assess the condition of the socket and prescribe therapy aimed at reducing inflammation and eliminating unpleasant symptoms. If alarming symptoms appear after tooth extraction, it is important not to postpone the visit and to schedule a consultation with a dentist.

Alveolitis is an inflammatory complication that may occur after tooth extraction during the healing period of the socket. Normally, after extraction, a blood clot forms at the site of the removed tooth. It performs a protective function: it covers the bone tissue, prevents bacteria from entering, and creates conditions for proper tissue healing.

Problems arise in cases when this clot does not form or falls out during the first days after tooth extraction. Most often, this is associated with violation of postoperative recommendations, excessive mechanical load on the socket, or specific features of the extraction itself. As a result, the socket remains open, which increases the risk of microorganism penetration and the development of an inflammatory process. Alveolitis of the socket requires timely dental intervention to eliminate inflammation and restore the normal course of healing.

Alveolitis does not develop unnoticed. Normally, after tooth extraction, pain and discomfort gradually decrease, whereas in the case of a complication, the symptoms persist or intensify several days after the procedure. This progression is an important diagnostic criterion.

Only a doctor can accurately determine the presence of inflammation of the tooth socket. The doctor checks for the presence of a blood clot, assesses the condition of the surrounding tissues, and evaluates the patient’s complaints. If necessary, additional diagnostics are performed to rule out other causes of the symptoms.

The development of alveolitis is associated with disruption of the normal healing process of the socket after tooth extraction. In most cases, the problem does not arise immediately but several days later, when the protective mechanisms in the area of intervention cease to function properly.

One of the key causes is infection after tooth extraction, when bacteria enter the socket and an inflammatory process begins. This may occur against the background of a complicated or traumatic extraction, reduced immunity, as well as failure to follow the doctor’s recommendations during the postoperative period.

The general condition of the oral tissues also plays a role. In the presence of caries or inflammatory changes in the gums, the risk of complications increases. In such situations, gum alveolitis may develop, when inflammation spreads to the surrounding soft tissues and complicates the recovery process.

The treatment strategy for alveolitis is determined by the doctor after examination and assessment of the socket condition. In cases of tooth alveolitis, treatment is aimed at eliminating the inflammatory process, restoring normal healing, and preventing further complications. All actions are performed step by step and in accordance with clinical protocols.

The main stages of alveolitis treatment include:

• examination of the socket and assessment of the presence of a blood clot, signs of inflammation, and infection;

• careful cleaning of the socket from plaque, remnants of a destroyed clot, or necrotic tissues;

• antiseptic treatment to reduce the bacterial load;

• placement of medications into the socket with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects;

• prescription of drug therapy when indicated and recommendations for further oral care.

Timely consultation with a dentist makes it possible to quickly reduce pain, eliminate inflammation, and restore the normal course of the postoperative period.