Osteomyelitis of the Jaw

What is osteomyelitis?

Osteomyelitis of the jaw (OM) is an infection in your bone that comes from your bloodstream, nearby tissue, or it can begin in the bone itself if it’s been exposed to germs from an injury or trauma to the area. Though this condition mostly affects bones of extremities, such as the spine and pelvis, it can also affect your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which can cause serious issues. 

If you show signs of OM, Dr. Sedghizade provides state-of-the-art technology to effectively diagnose your condition and start effective treatment immediately.

What are symptoms of osteomyelitis?

Signs that you might have osteomyelitis include:

• Fever
• Warmth
• Redness
• Facial swelling
• Sinus drainage
• Pus
• Pain
• Tooth loss

It’s also possible to not show any symptoms in its beginning stages.

What causes osteomyelitis?

Osteomyelitis mostly comes from staphylococcus bacteria, which are certain germs found on your skin or in the nose of healthy people. These germs can enter your bones in several ways, including: 

Bloodstream

Germs in other parts of your body can be carried through your bloodstream and land on a weakened area of your bone.

Injury

Puncture wounds can send germs deep into your body, which can cause infection to spread to a bone nearby. Also, if you severely break or fracture a bone, causing it to stick out of your skin, germs can enter your body this way, as well.

Surgery

During surgery, the risk of direct contamination with germs exists, making you susceptible.

Other risk factors include blood circulation issues, the use of catheters or intravenous lines, a suppressed immune system, and the use of illicit drugs.

Though your bones are typically resistant to infection, your protection decreases as you age.

Can osteomyelitis be prevented?

When you consult with Dr. Sedghizadeh, he may ask about your lifestyle to learn about ways to reduce your risk of developing OM. 

You should practice regular dental and periodontal assessment and care to identify and determine if you have any signs of concern.

Because you can develop OM from germs, guard yourself against cutting, scraping, or puncturing your skin in any way. But, if you happen to experience a minor injury, be sure to clean the affected area quickly and well. Also, cover it with a bandage to protect it, and check it often for infection.

If you have concerns about osteomyelitis or experience symptoms of this condition, make an appointment with Dr. Sedghizadeh at Oral Medicine & Pathology Center. Pick up the phone and call the office or use the online booking feature on the website today.