Initial stage swelling of the mandibular bone tissue: cold, painless, hard consistency, poorly defined (Jersey cow).
The Actinomyces is an obligate inhabitant of the oral cavity and enters the tissues through small lesions at the margin of the dental alveoli, causing chronic granulomatous proliferations.
Differential diagnosis:
– intermandibular phlegmon (rapid onset, hot, painful, high temperature)
– swellings from traumatic injuries, hematomas, fractures
– stasis edema (cardiac tamponade, foreign body, liver fluke disease…)
– edema from allergic reactions
