Flux: how to treat and avoid complications

Causes of flux

Flux, also known in dentistry as periostitis, is an inflammatory process that develops in the structure of soft tissues, and is accompanied by the formation of edema, the appearance of purulent discharge, an increase in body temperature, and other negative symptoms. The algorithm for the development of pathology is determined by the action of harmful bacteria that stimulate the development and spread of infection, penetrating the structure of the gum tissue and periosteum.

Factors that can cause flux formation include:

• Development of the inflammatory process in the deep layers of tissue;
• Carrying out an extraction operation that leads to damage to the gum tissue;
• Installation of a low-quality prosthesis, which promotes infection;
• The occurrence of dry socket syndrome after tooth extraction.

How to recognize periostitis

The most striking signs of gumboil are swelling and throbbing pain in the area of ​​inflammation, which intensifies with pressure on the tooth. Over time, pain does not respond to painkillers, the cheek and jaw swell due to inflammation, the gums become red, pain can radiate to the eye, ear or throat (difficulty swallowing, turning the neck), body temperature rises, lymph nodes enlarge, weakness in the body is felt .

Causes of inflammation:

• neglected or untreated caries is the most common cause;
• dental intervention - flux after tooth extraction, poor quality treatment;
• sinusitis;
• angina;
• hypothermia;
• infections and injuries of teeth and gums;
• insufficient hygiene;
• Oral diseases - periodontitis, pulpitis, gingivitis and others.

How long does the flux last after extraction?

At first after removal, an inflamed and painful state is considered a normal reaction of the body. However, in situations where the infection penetrates deeply into the tissue structure, provoking pathological processes, even extraction of the problem unit does not guarantee relief of the negative syndrome.

Flux is the result of the development of the disease, and not its root cause, which makes it difficult to eliminate the pathology. Even with an independent breakthrough of suppuration, accompanied by the release of exudate, the resulting cavity can cause the development of an abscess or phlegmon, the treatment of which requires much more effort. In the most severe forms of development, flux leads to infection of the circulatory system, and, as a result, death.

Treatment in dentistry

Turnkey dental treatment is an important condition for successful therapy. A set of measures used by a specialist ensures:

• opening of an abscess;
• cleansing the pathological area of ​​the periosteum;
• antiseptic treatment;
• installation of drainage to drain pus;

Antibiotics are also prescribed. They remove inflammation. Amoxiclav, Tsifran and other drugs are used. At the same time, vitamins and medications are taken to increase the body's defenses. When the wound is cleared of exudate, the drainage is removed. If necessary, stitches are applied and rinsing is prescribed. It is important that all pus is removed, otherwise the therapy will not be effective. It is forbidden to use warm compresses, as they will increase inflammation. Alcohol lotions are not recommended.

Most often, when an abscess is removed, the masticatory organ is preserved. The operation is painless as anesthesia is used. An anesthetic is injected into the gum, only then an incision is made to release the pus. Additional measures include iontophoresis and laser therapy. After surgery, it is forbidden to take Aspirin to prevent bleeding. Remember that opening the capsule yourself often leads to the infection spreading to the entire jaw. Don't take the risk, you should see a dentist!

Symptoms of flux

A characteristic sign of pathology is the formation of a soft tissue tumor, accompanied by the formation of a small sac, inside which pus accumulates. The clinical picture, as the disease develops, becomes increasingly negative. Advanced periostitis leads to the appearance of extensive tumors covering the cheeks and gum tissue, and is associated with painful sensations spreading throughout the jaw and other areas of the head.

In some cases, it is possible to maintain an elevated body temperature of up to 38 degrees for a long time. The protective film that forms over the alveolar socket acquires a brown or gray tint and causes a strong bad breath. If you have such symptoms after tooth extraction, it is recommended to consult a doctor for a re-examination.

Treatment of flux after tooth extraction

Diagnosed flux requires immediate treatment. The choice of an appropriate technique depends on the degree of development of the pathology, as well as on the physiological characteristics of the patient’s body.

• Conservative therapy

Drug treatment involves the use of drugs that have a suppressive effect against pathogenic bacteria. Common antibiotics include amoxiclav and lincomine, but the prescription of a specific drug is based on medical indications. Anti-inflammatory and painkillers can relieve painful symptoms. A prerequisite is regular rinsing of the mouth with a composition containing chlorhexidine or miramistin, or a soda solution. It is worth noting that self-treatment of flux at home, using folk recipes, is highly not recommended - since it can lead to rapid progression of the pathology.

• Surgery

If a developed flux, characterized by the presence of a purulent sac, is detected, it is permissible to prescribe surgical intervention - periostotomy. The inflamed area is incised, after which drainage is inserted into the resulting cavity to help drain the purulent mass. After cleansing, stitches are placed and a course of medications is prescribed to prevent re-inflammation.

Flux

2848 13 July

IMPORTANT!

The information in this section cannot be used for self-diagnosis and self-treatment.
In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, diagnostic tests should be prescribed only by the attending physician. To make a diagnosis and properly prescribe treatment, you should contact your doctor. Flux: causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment methods.

Definition

Flux, or periostitis, is an inflammation of the periosteum (periosteum) of the jaw. The root of the tooth is located in a special hole, which is called the alveolar process, if we are talking about the upper jaw, or the alveolar part, when we are talking about the lower jaw. With periostitis, inflammation spreads from the affected tooth to the alveolar processes or alveolar part, the body of the jaw and other surrounding tissues, for example, the gums.

Periostitis of the jaw is one of the most common complications of purulent inflammation of the tooth and accounts for 20 to 40% of their total number.

In approximately 60% of patients, periostitis occurs in the lower jaw and in 40% in the upper jaw. In 94-95% of cases the process is acute, and only in 5-6% the inflammation becomes chronic.

Reasons for the appearance of flux

The development of acute periostitis is most often associated with bacterial microflora. In most cases, the cause of flux development is untreated caries - destruction of hard tooth tissue. As caries progresses, the infection penetrates inside the tooth and affects the pulp, a soft connective tissue consisting of blood vessels and nerve plexuses. From the infected pulp, inflammation penetrates further through the tooth canal - into the bone and submandibular periosteum.

Other diseases can also lead to periostitis, for example, inflammation of the periodontium - the tissue surrounding the root of the tooth, gums (periodontitis), suppurating jaw cysts, alveolitis (an infectious-inflammatory process in the area of ​​the tooth socket and its walls). In people with weakened immune systems, inflammation of the periosteum may develop after tooth extraction or oral surgery.

Chronic periostitis can be caused by acute purulent periostitis in case of a weak immune response, as well as suppuration of cysts, inflammatory processes in the maxillary sinuses, injuries when using removable dentures, and difficult teething in children.

Most often, chronicity of the process occurs in children, the elderly and in patients with weakened immune systems.
Classification of flux
According to
the clinical course
, acute and chronic periostitis are distinguished, while acute periostitis can be serous and purulent. In the classification of chronic periostitis, simple and ossifying periostitis, as well as its rarefied form, are distinguished. The ossifying form is characterized by hyperostosis - the proliferation of bone tissue. Referential periostitis usually occurs after injury; it is accompanied by restructuring of bone structures and pronounced symptoms of osteoporosis.

Flux symptoms

In case of acute flux, the patient complains of general weakness, weakness, loss of appetite, insomnia, fever up to 37.5-38.0°C (in rare cases - up to 38.5-39.0°C). On the affected side there is pronounced inflammatory swelling of the soft tissues. When the process is localized in the upper jaw, the swelling spreads to the infraorbital region, nasolabial fold, and upper lip. Swelling of the lower jaw extends to the submandibular region. Due to swelling of the soft tissues, the face becomes asymmetrical.

Acute diffuse pain in the jaw radiates to the ear, temple or eye, causing difficulty opening the mouth.

If the cause of the flux is a tooth disease, the pain intensifies when biting on the affected tooth or touching it with the tongue. As the disease progresses, the pain when pressing on the tooth may decrease, but the pain in the jaw area increases.

Purulent periostitis, localized in the transitional fold of the oral cavity, is characterized by painful limited swelling in the form of a roller, sometimes with fluctuation phenomena (sensation of iridescent liquid), indicating the accumulation of pus.

In the chronic course of the process, the pain is wave-like in nature - it is weak, aching, inflammatory infiltration of the surrounding soft tissues is poorly expressed, the configuration of the face is not changed or there is slight asymmetry, the submandibular lymph nodes are enlarged, compacted, and painless. Patients may complain of thickening of the jaw in the area of ​​inflammation - both from the skin and from the oral cavity.

Flux diagnostics

To make a diagnosis, the doctor collects complaints and medical history, examines the maxillofacial area, palpates the lymph nodes, chewing muscles, and assesses the degree of mouth opening and pain.

Additionally, a general blood test and x-ray examination are prescribed to determine treatment tactics.

What happens if flux is not treated?

The lump needs to be treated immediately! In an advanced stage, therapy will be longer, more complex, and multiple complications are possible. You cannot wait, as the disease causes dangerous consequences:

• A large palatal abscess smooths out the transverse folds, increases inflammation, which makes swallowing difficult.
• Sometimes the capsule ruptures and the pus spreads out. This leads to infection entering the blood, spreading throughout the body and causing sepsis.
• Extensive bumps prevent chewing.
• Tissue death in the affected area is possible.
• Conversation and movement of the jaw becomes difficult.
• In the fulminant form of severe sepsis, a person may die without treatment.

To prevent an abscess, constant prevention of caries is necessary. To avoid the appearance of a lump, you should get rid of foci of bacterial inflammation in a timely manner. To prevent oral diseases, it is necessary to systematically carry out hygiene procedures in the dentist’s office. Preventive examinations should be done once every six months.