Alveolite (odontoiatric)

Symptomology: Great pain in the area, and fetid smell without pus.

In the most severe forms, dental alveolite can cause an intense pain that radiates towards the surrounding areas, such as the ear. In some cases, inflammation may be accompanied by other systemic symptoms, including headaches, fever, swelling of lymph nodes and neck pain. ^[2]

At the local level, other characteristic signals can occur, such as alitosis, due to the accumulation of bacteria in the affected area, swelling and redness of the gums, which indicate a state of inflammation, and an alteration of taste, often perceived as unpleasant or abnormal^[3].

Etiology: The cause is a focal osteomyelitis, where the lining of the alveol disintegrates before due and becomes fertile ground for mouth bacteria.

Therapies: Resistant to the most common therapies, but it can be prevented thanks to the use of local and systemic antibiotics just before extraction

A dentist can apply a dressing of anesthetic directly into the cavity left by the tooth extracted. This dressing is replaced every 1-3 days until the pain does not disappear, verified by removing the gauze for a few hours. Alternatively, a commercial dressing is often used that does not require removal. This type of dressing contains a combination of anesthetic, painkiller and antimicrobial.

For further pain relief, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be administered by mouth. These drugs help reduce both inflammation and pain associated with the healing process^[4].

• Joseph C. Segen, Concise Dictionary of Modern Medicine, ISBN 978-88-386-3917-3