Osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis is an infection of bone. Osteomyelitis is thankfully rare. It is usually caused by a tooth infection. There are many varieties of osteomyelitis but broadly speaking they can be divided into acute and chronic. Acute osteomyelitis of the jaws is usually very painful accompanied by fevers, bad taste, redness of the mouth tissues/face/neck along drainage into the mouth or onto the skin of the neck. This requires immediate attention. Chronic osteomyelitis may not necessarily be painful but can result is a slowly progressive disfiguring swelling of the face. Chronic osteomyelitis can be more problematic in its management. Osteomyelitis is a complex condition and it is important that it is treated by someone with a good understanding of the condition. Our surgeons at the Oral Cancer Institute are very experienced in the management of this condition. Please make an appointment to see one of our surgeons if you think you have or have been diagnosed with osteomyelitis.

Talk to one of our surgeons at the Oral Cancer Institute about your options for bone grafting.