Porcine Dentistry: Management of mandibular osteomyelitis secondary to tusk infection

Chronic osteomyelitis secondary to an infected tusk can be very destructive as it spreads through the mandible and surrounding soft tissue structures. The extension of the disease can lead to complete loss of mandibular structure and bone. The infection may cause severe periodontal disease of the overlying premolars and molars. The disease and bone loss may become so devastating that permanent oral cutaneous fistulas develop. The disease may also spread into the medial cortex of the mandible creating complete bone loss leaving only a fibrous capsule of the mandible with a draining cutaneous fistula. A combination of xenograft and platelet rich fibrin shows great potential for management of the destructive osteomyelitis commonly associated with a chronically infected tusk.