OSTEOMYELITIS is an inflammation of the bone or bone marrow generally caused by infection.

Ways to acquire Osteomyelitis are:

***From bacteria that travel through the bloodstream from other infected areas of the body. This is called Hematogenous Osteomyelitis and it is the most common pathway.

Examples of this pathway relating to the jaw bone:
A tooth that has an acute or chronic infection. The bacteria travels from the tooth into the bloodstream and resides in an already compromised organ or body part .... or the bacteria sets up residence in an otherwise healthy organ or body part.


***Osteomyelitis can be the result of a direct infection which typically occurs from an open wound.

Examples of this pathway:
A deep cut that was not cleaned properly and/or bandaged to prevent debris from getting in.

During a tooth extraction or at the post operative stage the introduction of bacteria from Periodontal disease into the surgical site.

Post operatively after a tooth extraction is performed the blood clot does not form or it becomes dislodged and the surgical site is not treated promptly and effectively.

Also from bacterial contamination into a surgical site during an operation where the proper sterilization protocols were not followed.

***Osteomyelitis can occur when the blood supply to an area of bone is disrupted or permanently cut off.

Examples of this pathway related to the jaw bone:
ENDODONTIC (root canal) therapy permanently severs the blood supply that feeds the tooth, the periodontal ligament and the surrounding jaw bone. This lack of blood supply is called Ischemia. By definition it is an insufficient blood supply to a living organ or body part. A familiar or more commonly heard of example of Ischemia would be Myocardial Ischemia which results from an insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle due to constriction or obstruction which leads to a heart attack.

***Odontogenic Osteomyelitis is becoming a great concern in people who take Bisphosphonate drugs like Actonel, Fosomax, Boniva, Aredia, Didronel, Recalst, Zometa, etc. These drugs are intended to increase bone density but in an unnatural way so in doing so they disrupt the natural occurrence of the break down and renewal of bone called Osteoclasts. The healing from a broken bone or a tooth extraction could be very compromised in these people. The skeletal half life of these drugs is about 10 yrs. Which means once the drug is stopped it continues to remain in the bones for 10 yrs or so.

>>>> Osteomyelitis can be difficult to diagnose and treat. It can be present for a very long time with vague symptoms or be very painful. It can be difficult and challenging to get the proper testing as insurance may not pay for it. It can be difficult and challenging to find someone to actually treat it properly.

>>>>Ways to prevent Osteomyelitits of the jaw bone:

***Brush and floss thoroughly every day to keep the plaque and bacteria to a minimum.

***Have regular dental check ups and cleanings twice a year to catch and treat any problems when they are small.

***Eat a wholesome, nutritious diet.

***Have dental fillings replaced every 10-15 years to avoid recurrent decay underneath a cracked or leaking filling.

***Exercise and meditate daily to reduce stress and help avoid developing a clenching or bruxism habit.

***Before taking Bisphosphonate drugs (most drugs in general) consider seeking nutritional advice from a Certified Nutritionist or Nutrition Health Coach as they may be able to offer some "healthier" options.

***Before accepting the recommendation of Endodontic (root canal) Therapy or a surgical Apicoectomy, ask your dentists about the sytemic health risks of retaining a chronically infected tooth. Ask how your dental and overall health will be affected once the bone becomes Ischemic. Ask about the alternative option of extracting the tooth and replacing it. Way out all the pros and cons of these procedures before embarking on a path that could result in a serious systemic infection called Osteomyelitis.

Bryanna

I am not a doctor or a dentist or an Indian Chief! I am just a concerned dental professional who has dedicated three decades of life educating and helping dental staff and patients become better informed.