Alveolar osteitis in a patient with common variable immunodeficiency

Abstract

Patients with primary immunodeficiency disorders are prone to dental problems, and a lack of proper communication with surgeon may create complications following invasive dental procedure. We present the case of a patient with common variable immunodeficiency disorder (CVID) who underwent a dental extraction and later on, developed alveolar osteitis. A 26-year-old male reported to the outpatient department, with a complaint of severe pain in his left lower jaw following the extraction of mandibular molar 1 week ago. The clinical picture was suggestive of suppurative alveolitis. The fact that he was a diagnosed case of CVID was not revealed to the operating surgeon. He was undergoing treatment for the past 6 years at another center that included intravenous immunoglobulin G (IgG) administration. Serum IgG level performed about 10 months back was 6.1 g/L. The patient recovered fully after a week of treatment with zinc oxide pack and oral metronidazole. CVID is a known risk factor for the development of alveolar osteitis. Proper communication is vital for avoiding complications in such cases.