Chronic Suppurative Osteomyelitis with Proliferative Periostitis of Mandible Following Extraction of Wisdom Tooth: A Case Report

Osteomyelitis of the jaws is a rare condition and the incidence has drastically come down after introduction of antibiotics. They occur predominantly due to odontogenic infections like periapical or periodontal infections, pericoronal abscess, infected extraction wound, or fracture wound. Although rare, traumatic tooth extraction might result in osteomyelitis of the jaw. Based on the aggressiveness of the organisms, host resistance and periosteal response to inflammation, it can present clinically in a variety of ways. Clinical features ranging from pain, swelling, fever, and suppuration in acute cases to persistent discomfort, fistula formation, and sequestration in chronic osteomyelitis. Chronic suppurative osteomyelitis with proliferative periostitis is an uncommon entity, especially in young, otherwise healthy individuals. The present report presents a rare case of chronic suppurative osteomyelitis with proliferative periostitis of the mandible in a 26-year-old male following extraction of a mandibular third molar. The patient presented with persistent pain, intermittent pus discharge, facial swelling, and paresthesia of the lower lip. The patient was successfully managed by surgical sequestrectomy and saucerisation, along with removal of the infectious source and antibiotic therapy. This report underscores the potential for serious postoperative complications even after common dental procedures and highlights the importance of early recognition, accurate diagnosis, and timely intervention to prevent disease progression.