A seemingly small toothache might feel like a bit of an inconvenience at first, until you wake up in pain with a swollen mouth… eventually needing emergency dentistry to treat the abscessed tooth. When an infection continues to progress, this untreated tooth abscess can eventually result in more serious complications in the future. Bacteria in or around the root of the tooth cause tooth decay and gum disease, which should be treated immediately to protect your overall health.
Unfortunately, many people ignore dental pain because they are worried about the cost or time to go to the dentist. Additionally, some people are scared of dental visits. But the reality is that the dangers of a dental abscess should be taken seriously.
The sooner you seek dental treatment, the better! Keep in mind that untreated infections can spread quickly, which is why you shouldn’t delay if you have a toothache or suspect any type of infection in your mouth.
What Happens If You Ignore a Tooth Abscess?
Most types of dental conditions are progressive. They start out small, and continue to grow and worsen when left untreated. For example, a cavity can be treated with a simple filling to prevent further decay and protect the tooth overall. If treatment is delayed, then the decay moves deeper in the tooth and can eventually cause an infection in the inner pulp. Next, a pus pocket can form and it causes localized swelling, and this level of infection is known as an abscessed tooth.
If you have any of the following symptoms, then it’s best to consult with an experienced dentist as soon as possible to prevent complications:
- Throbbing pain
- Fever
- Sensitivity
- Foul taste in your mouth
- Swelling in the jaw or face
Remember that an untreated mouth abscess is not “self-healing.” This condition will only get worse, which is why it’s best to seek dental care as soon as possible. Ignoring an abscessed tooth can eventually cause the infection to spread into the jawbone and other areas of the mouth.
If the infection reaches the bloodstream, then it could cause systemic health issues that require emergency medical treatment. While it’s not common for tooth infections to reach this point, these types of infections can turn into life-threatening complications when left untreated.
From Mild Pain to Life-Threatening: How Fast Will Things Escalate?
The speed in which the infection will spread depends on many different factors, such as your age, overall health, and how well your immune system is functioning. In the beginning, there aren’t many serious dangers of an abscessed tooth, but the risk can increase quickly depending on your unique situation. Medically, the window can be small: the risk of more serious complications can increase in just a few days or weeks.
Will an abscessed tooth kill you? If the infection leads to systemic sepsis, then it could potentially impact vital organs and even block your airway. These complications can be life-threatening. But thanks to modern dental treatments and medical care, it’s rare for patients to reach this point. Our goal is to catch any potential issues in the earliest stages, so that early intervention treatments can help you enjoy a healthy life without these types of complications.
The Cost of Treating a Tooth Abscess
When you receive fast and effective dental treatments, it will shorten your recovery, result in care that is minimally invasive, and your overall costs will be much lower because there is no need to pay for emergency medical treatments. Some people put off dental treatments because they are worried about the amount of money they will be spending. But the truth is that emergency treatment is much more expensive than the lower cost of preventive care.
Your out-of-pocket expenses will vary depending on the actual treatments that are needed, as well as the amount of money that your dental insurance will pay. Our office staff will provide upfront estimates so you know what to expect from your treatment plan.
What to Do if You Suspect an Abscessed Tooth
The best thing that you can do is recognize the symptoms as early as possible. If you notice any symptoms of a toothache or unusual things happening in your mouth, then it’s recommended that you schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible.
Calling a dentist immediately is the best course of action. Urgent dental care isn’t something that you should “wait and see” about. The sooner we get started with your treatment plan, the easier it is to avoid these more serious complications.
If you need to wait for the appointment, then you can manage the pain with over-the-counter medications. Don’t do anything to try to drain the abscessed tooth; you should always wait to let the dentist take care of the treatment. Also, avoid hot compresses because they could potentially cause the infection to spread.
Hopefully, severe symptoms will not appear, such as difficulty breathing, swelling, or high fever. But if you start to experience any of these symptoms, then you should go straight to the emergency room.
FAQ
How long can a tooth abscess be left untreated?
This type of dental infection can turn dangerous within just a few days, which is why it should be treated immediately.
What is the mortality rate for a tooth abscess?
Tooth abscess deaths are rare because of modern dental treatments and medical interventions. We have a variety of methods that can alleviate the infection and prevent it from spreading.
How long does it take for a tooth abscess to go to the brain?
If a tooth abscess is severe, then it can spread to the brain within just a few days if left untreated.
Will antibiotics get rid of a tooth abscess?
Yes, antibiotics can be used as an initial treatment to control the infection. But the abscessed tooth will also need to be treated with modern dental interventions to remove the decayed and damaged parts of the tooth.
Call the Experts at myDental
Our team at myDental offers full-service solutions to help your family maintain healthy smiles. We invite you to learn more about our preventive dentistry services. If you have a dental emergency, such as an abscessed tooth, or it’s time for a checkup, then you can book an appointment at one of our convenient locations. Call any time for more information about available services.
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