Key Points
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Osteomyelitis should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients complaining of chronic pain post-dental extraction or injury.
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A good clinical and patient history is required as clinical and radiographic signs may present late.
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Oral antibiotics appear to have minimal impact as initial treatment.
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Cone beam CT may help conclude a diagnosis earlier.
Abstract
Chronic osteomyelitis of the jaw is a rare entity in the healthy population of the developed world. It is normally associated with radiation and bisphosphonates ingestion and occurs in immunosuppressed individuals such as alcoholics or diabetics. Two cases are reported of chronic osteomyelitis in healthy individuals with no adverse medical conditions. The management of these cases are described.
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Patel, V., Harwood, A. & McGurk, M. Osteomyelitis presenting in two patients: a challenging disease to manage. Br Dent J 209, 393–396 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2010.927
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2010.927
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