Tooth Abscess: Is It Serious?

 Do you have a tooth abscess and asking how serious it can be? Click here for the issues of untreated tooth abscesses, per the dentists in woodland hills, ca.

 

Did you know that around one person from 2600 individuals in the US experiences an abscessed tooth every year, which causes them to be hospitalized?

This demonstrates how tooth abscesses may be common and how nearly everyone may have them at some time. Someone going through a painful tooth abscess may have a few questions, one of which is, how serious is it?

To help you decide whether a tooth abscess is severe and the various complications that untreated tooth abscesses may bring, we have put together information with the help of the best dentists in Woodland Hills, Ca.

What Is A Tooth Abscess?

A Tooth abscess can be defined as the accumulation of pus brought on by a bacterial infection that develops within teeth, gums, or the bones that support the teeth.

There are different names for dental abscesses, which are usually determined by the location of the infection. Periapical abscesses develop near the tip of teeth, periodontal abscesses develop in the gums, and Gingival abscess develops in the gums.

Most tooth abscesses cause severe pain and discomfort, but even if they are not painful, you should always get them checked by a dentist so that you may receive immediate treatment before it worsens and spread to other parts of the body.

Dental abscesses never go away by themselves, so getting medical attention as early as possible is critical. They may cause you to become severely ill by spreading to other areas of your body, which can also cause life-threatening situations like multiple organ failure.

How Serious Are Tooth Abscesses?

Since infection may progress to your jawbone and other body regions, tooth abscesses can be fatal if left untreated. Sometimes, it may result in Sepsis, a medical emergency affecting around 1.7 million adults in the US and taking the lives of nearly 270,000 yearly.

Here are a few other reasons to search for an Emergency Dentist Near Me if you have a dental abscess. The following complications may occur if you fail to get immediate medical treatment for your dental abscess:

Loss of Teeth and Bones

Diseased tooth abscesses can create swelling within the jaw bone, damaging the bone near the infected location. As a result, the bones in the location of the swelling may die if you leave the issue untreated.

When this happens, the tooth becomes deprived of support causing it to loosen and fall off in a matter of days. If the swelling extends to a large portion of your jaw, it can affect multiple teeth and bones and result in the loss of several teeth.

Ludwig's Angina

This bacterial illness develops in the area below the tongue. Ludwig's angina is a life-threatening condition, and it frequently occurs following a trauma to the mouth area or an inflammation in the roots of the teeth (tooth abscess).

Cardiovascular Damage

A dental abscess can progress to a cardiovascular disease called endocarditis if ignored. Endocarditis refers to the infection of the heart's internal lining.

If left untreated, the bacterium can attach to the inner lining of your heart and multiply, causing your heart to suffer irreversible damage. In addition, if the bacterium manages to get to the lung, it can cause pneumonia —another potentially fatal disease.

Necrotizing Fasciitis

Necrotizing fasciitis is a severe and possibly fatal bacterial infection that spreads swiftly throughout the body and causes the loss of soft tissues. Quick diagnosis, antibiotic therapy, and timely surgery are essential to save the life of a person suffering from this condition. 

Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis (CST)

CST is a potentially fatal complication resulting in blood clotting within the cavernous sinuses. Cavernous sinuses are shallow chambers underneath the brain and behind both eye sockets. 

Tooth Abscess Symptoms

Apart from the severe complications mentioned above, tooth abscesses can have several other symptoms. Here are a few symptoms to look out for to determine if you have a tooth abscess:

 

·         Toothache while chewing and without chewing

·         Red and inflamed gums

·         Discolored tooth

·         A persistent headache

·         Swollen face or eyes

·         Temperature sensitivities of the teeth (cold or hot)

·         A toothache or discomfort in the mouth that is dull, throbbing, or severe

·         Fever

·         Swelling of lymph nodes in the neck area

·         Jaw swelling (caused due to a severe infection)

·         An open sore in the gum that keeps oozing and might also leave a nasty aftertaste

·         Bad odor in the mouth

·         Inability to speak, chew or swallow

·         Increased heart rate

·         Vomiting or Nausea

·         Feeling sickly (malaise)

 

What Should You Do If You Have an Abscessed Tooth?

Now that we've discussed the symptoms of an abscessed tooth, let's discuss the appropriate actions you must take if experiencing any of the symptoms listed above. If you have a tooth abscess, the best thing you can do for yourself is to search for Urgent Dental Care Near Me and go to the dentist.

As previously discussed, tooth abscesses can lead to life-threatening situations, so never wait for an appointment with your family dentist if they don't have an opening and instead seek emergency dental attention. Waiting a few days for a checkup if you have a tooth abscess is never a good idea and may cost you your teeth and even your life in extreme cases.

A dentist will assess the severity of your tooth abscess and accordingly offer treatment which will be one of the following:

·         Root Canal

·         Abscess drainage

·         Antibiotic treatment

·         Tooth extraction

·         Hospitalization (In severe cases like Sepsis)

Bottom Line

So now you know that you must never take an abscessed tooth lightly; get immediate medical assistance to ensure it doesn't spread to other body parts. Contact West Hills Smiles, an emergency dental service in west hills, if you live in the area.

Our highly trained professionals will follow the appropriate protocols and offer immediate relief and treatment for your tooth abscess. We also offer dental services like dental implants, smile makeovers, and cosmetic dental services in west hills. For further queries on our services, get in touch now.

Book an appointment for emergency dental services in west hills!