Flux
Flux is an acute inflammatory and purulent disease, which is characterized by the development of a pathological process in the subgingival and subcostal areas of the jaw. The main reason for the development of flux is inflammation of the tip of the tooth, extremely neglected caries. In dentistry, the flux is also called periostitis.
CAUSES OF FLUX DEVELOPMENT
Extremely neglected caries – untimely visits to the dentist are the most common cause of the development of purulent inflammation. Fear of dentists only aggravates the situation, bringing her to an extremely serious condition, up to hospitalization in a hospital.
Non–compliance with the rules of personal hygiene, poor oral care is a common cause of the development of flux in children and adolescents.
Infectious diseases of the oral cavity.
Inflammation of the gingival pocket. Women are most often exposed to this, in particular during pregnancy.
Jaw injuries, fractures, surgical interventions.
Dental cyst.
Periodontitis and periodontal disease, gingivitis, tartar, pulpitis.
ETIOLOGY AND PATHOGENESIS
The key point in the development of the flux is the spread of the pathological process to the pulp. Pulp is a connective tissue rich in blood vessels, loosely filling the tooth cavity. There are also nerve endings and lymph nodes in the pulp. If the pathogen was able to get to the pulp through the hard enamel of the tooth, the further pathological process is not difficult.
The pulp is quickly affected, causing the patient a lot of trouble, and the pulp also quickly succumbs to necrosis. Necrotic tissues cease to cause any discomfort to the patient, thereby deceptively giving hope that the disease is over. However, this is erroneous, moreover, the cessation of pain can only speak of a neglected disease.
The pathological process continues – the infection accumulates, multiplies, the lesion reaches the root of the teeth, affecting the periosteum. There is an accumulation of pus and further inflammation of the gums. At this stage, the flux can be seen with the naked eye.
SYMPTOMS OF FLUX
The main symptom of flux is a visual defect. The flux is an abscess of the periosteum. Externally, the gum is hyperemic bright red, edematous. Painful on palpation. Soon the patient begins to worry about the pain again.
If the flux develops on the gum of the lower jaw, the first symptom is swelling of the cheek. With a flux of the upper jaw, the area under the eye swells.
In addition, a general intoxication syndrome develops: the temperature rises to 38-40 degrees, the patient complains of weakness, headache, sometimes ear pain of a shooting nature.
COMPLICATIONS OF FLUX
Phlegmon.
Sepsis.
Regional lymphadenitis.
Lymphangitis.
Meningitis.
Sinusitis.
TREATMENT OF FLUX
The main thing in the treatment of flux is to see a doctor as soon as possible. A dental surgeon should examine the flux, assess the degree of development and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Antibacterial therapy is prescribed without fail, taking into account the sensitivity of the pathogen. Also, the doctor should perform an autopsy of the flux – to remove pus and establish drainage so that the resulting pus does not accumulate in the resulting cavity.
The tooth that caused the development of the flux is also carefully examined. If it is impossible to cure and preserve it, the tooth is removed.
To relieve pain, analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs, including topical use, are used.
In any case, with an abscess, it is not recommended to apply local heat to the flux area – this is what will only aggravate the pathological process. Also, you should not take antibacterial agents without a doctor’s recommendation, as this can also hinder recovery.
