A tooth abscess won't go away without treatment. If the abscess ruptures, the pain can improve a lot, making you think that the problem has disappeared, but that you still need dental treatment. If the abscess doesn't drain, the infection can spread to the jaw and other areas of the head and neck. The most lethal effect of untreated tooth root infection is sepsis.
It occurs when the bacterial infection has spread throughout the bloodstream and the immune system triggers widespread inflammation that can rupture organs and block arteries. Tooth infections can be life-threatening when they develop from an untreated tooth abscess. An abscess is a collection of pus, which is made up of white blood cells, dead tissue, and germs. When the infection spreads, complications arise.
Fortunately, with the help of certain dental procedures, your dentist can help prevent the harmful health effects of dental infections. When a tooth abscess isn't treated for weeks or months, it can spread to other areas such as the jaw, neck, and brain. This can cause serious symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, and an inability to open your mouth. If left untreated, a dental infection can spread to the jaw, to the soft tissues of the face and neck, and beyond.
In extremely rare cases, the infection can reach the heart (endocarditis) and the brain (bacterial meningitis). You can reduce your risk of developing a tooth abscess if you visit your dentist routinely and have regular dental exams and cleanings. Most people are treated for a dental abscess, as the pain caused by an abscess can be extremely severe, even to the point of interfering with daily life. However, you will likely feel dental pain in your tooth due to the cavity before it turns into an abscess.
Symptoms of tooth abscess include a throbbing toothache, sensitive teeth, a bad taste in the mouth, difficulty opening the mouth, and fever. To learn more about treating and preventing tooth abscesses, visit your Toorak dentist at Simply Smiles Dental. There are two types of dental abscesses: one can form under the tooth (periapical) and the other in the gum and supporting bone (periodontal).
