Arsenic trioxide used in endodontic treatments has been shown to cause severe damages to surrounding bone and periodontal tissues. This report describes a case of alveolar osteomyelitis triggered by arsenic trioxide pulp devitalization and associated with mycotic infestation. Following clinical and radiological examinations, the concerned tooth was extracted, bone sequestrum was removed and granulation tissue was debrided. Histopathological biopsy examination, stained with hematoxylin/eosin, Grocott's silver methenamine and periodic acid-Schiff, confirmed the diagnosis of chemical osteomyelitis associated with fungal infestation. Six months postoperatively, normal bone healing was observed.
Keywords: Alveolar osteomyelitis; Arsenic trioxide; Bone necrosis; Pulp devitalization.
© The Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons of India 2021.