A tooth infection may seem like a minor issue at first, but ignoring it can lead to serious consequences for both your oral and overall health. Whether it’s a simple abscess or a more severe infection, leaving it untreated can cause the infection to spread, leading to complications that might require emergency care. At Medivance Dental, we want to help you understand the risks associated with ignoring a tooth infection and explain how an emergency dentist in Perth can provide timely solutions.
What Is a Tooth Infection?
A tooth infection, also known as an abscessed tooth, occurs when bacteria enter the tooth’s pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth) due to decay, a crack, or damage. The bacteria multiply and cause an infection that can lead to swelling, pain, and even a pus-filled pocket near the root of the tooth.
Tooth infections are most often caused by:
- Untreated cavities
- Trauma to the tooth (e.g., cracks or chips)
- Gum disease
- Failed fillings or crowns
What Happens If You Ignore a Tooth Infection?
A tooth infection might seem manageable at first, but ignoring it can lead to serious complications. While it might be tempting to wait it out, untreated infections can spread and affect your overall health.
1. Increased Pain and Swelling:
If you ignore a tooth infection, the pain will likely worsen. Initially, the infection may cause a mild toothache, but as the infection progresses, it can lead to intense, throbbing pain that makes it difficult to eat, drink, or even sleep. Swelling in the gums, face, or neck is also common as the infection spreads.
2. Spread of Infection to Other Areas:
A tooth infection doesn’t stay confined to just the tooth. If left untreated, the bacteria can spread to the surrounding tissue, jawbone, or even other parts of the body, such as the sinuses or bloodstream. This can result in severe complications, including:
- Facial cellulitis (a skin infection)
- Osteomyelitis (bone infection)
- Sepsis (a life-threatening infection in the bloodstream)
3. Tooth Loss:
If the infection spreads to the tooth root or surrounding bone, it can cause significant damage to the tooth structure. This may lead to the tooth becoming loose or needing to be extracted. In severe cases, the tooth might not be salvageable, and a dental implant or bridge may be required to replace it.
4. Abscess Formation:
An untreated tooth infection can lead to the formation of an abscess, which is a pocket of pus caused by the accumulation of bacteria and white blood cells. Abscesses are painful and may rupture, releasing pus into the mouth or into surrounding tissues. This is not only painful but also increases the risk of the infection spreading.
5. Systemic Health Issues:
Infections in the mouth can affect your overall health. When bacteria from a tooth infection enter the bloodstream, they can contribute to conditions like heart disease, diabetes complications, and respiratory infections. Ignoring a tooth infection could lead to much more serious health problems in the future.
When Should You See an Emergency Dentist?
If you suspect that you have a tooth infection, it’s crucial to seek dental care immediately. Waiting too long can increase the risk of complications. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s time to visit an emergency dentist in Perth:
- Severe toothache that won’t subside
- Swelling in the gums, face, or neck
- Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Pain when chewing or touching the tooth
- Pus or foul taste in the mouth
- Fever or general feeling of illness
How Can an Emergency Dentist Help?
An emergency dentist can treat a tooth infection quickly to prevent it from spreading. Here’s how they typically handle tooth infections:
1. Drainage of Abscesses:
If an abscess has formed, the dentist will carefully drain it to remove the pus and relieve pressure on the tooth. This is often done by making a small incision in the abscess and allowing the pus to drain out.
2. Root Canal Treatment:
For more severe infections that have reached the tooth pulp, a root canal treatment may be necessary. During this procedure, the dentist removes the infected tissue from inside the tooth, cleans the area, and seals it to prevent further infection. A crown may be placed over the tooth to protect it and restore its function.
3. Antibiotics:
In some cases, the dentist may prescribe antibiotics to control the infection, especially if it has spread to other areas of the body. Antibiotics help kill the bacteria causing the infection and prevent it from getting worse.
4. Tooth Extraction:
If the tooth is too damaged to be saved, the dentist may recommend extracting the tooth. This is usually the last resort, as the goal is to save the tooth if possible.
Preventing Future Tooth Infections:
To avoid tooth infections in the future, follow these steps:
- Practice good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss daily, and use mouthwash to remove bacteria.
- Regular dental check-ups: Visit your dentist every six months for routine exams and cleanings to catch any issues before they become infections.
- Treat cavities promptly: Fillings and other treatments help prevent decay from reaching the tooth pulp and causing an infection.
- Eat a balanced diet: Avoid sugary foods and drinks that can contribute to tooth decay and infection.
Conclusion:
Ignoring a tooth infection can have serious consequences, including tooth loss and severe health risks. If you suspect that you have a tooth infection, don’t wait—visit an emergency dentist in Perth as soon as possible. At Medivance Dental, we provide prompt, effective treatment to help you get back to feeling your best. Ready to take action? Visit our Contact Us page today to schedule an emergency appointment.
FAQS
- What are the symptoms of a tooth infection?
Common signs include severe toothache, swelling in the face or gums, a bad taste in your mouth, sensitivity to hot or cold, and sometimes fever. - Can a tooth infection go away on its own?
No, tooth infections don’t heal on their own. Without treatment, the infection can spread to other parts of your body, leading to serious health risks. - What happens if I don’t treat a tooth infection?
The infection can spread to your jaw, face, neck, or even your bloodstream, causing sepsis—a potentially life-threatening condition. - How is a tooth infection treated?
Treatment typically involves antibiotics to control the infection and a procedure like a root canal or tooth extraction to remove the source of the problem. - Is a tooth infection considered a dental emergency?
Yes. If you suspect an infection, especially with swelling or fever, contact an emergency dentist in Perth immediately for urgent care.
