The doctor was basically telling your husband that he might have an infection in the tissue that covers bone (subperiosteal) and also perhaps in the bone itself (osteomyelitis).

Like many medical terms, the terms "subperiosteal" and "osteomyelitis" can be broken down into separate words that have their origin in either Greek or Latin. "Subperiosteal" can be divided into three separate words:

• "Sub," a prefix from Latin that means "under"
• "Peri," which has its origin in Greek and means "around or about"
• "Osteal," from the Latin for "bone"

In other words, "subperiosteal" refers to the tissue that lies under the surface and around bone.

"Osteomyelitis" can be separated into two words. "Osteo" refers to bone," and "myelitis" means "inflammation." So "osteomyelitis" refers to bone inflammation.

Sometimes an infection can develop in the area where a tooth has been extracted. Symptoms can include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Difficulty opening the mouth
• Fever

Treatment for an infection usually involves taking antibiotics that have been prescribed by a dentist, oral surgeon or doctor.