Why Untreated Dental Infection is Life-threatening?

Dental infection that develops from an untreated dental abscess can be very serious and life threatening. If left untreated, the condition will likely become worse and can lead to a number of complications.

It is important to see your dentist as soon as possible if you have any signs of dental abscess such as severe or throbbing toothache, fever, face or cheek swelling, swollen lymph nodes under your jaw and sudden rush of foul-smelling and salty fluid in your mouth if the abscess breaks.

Though this dental problem is uncommon, serious bacterial infections that result from dental diseases are known to be responsible for thousands of hospitalisations and deaths in other parts of the world. What are the possible complications of this seemingly simple oral health concern? And what are the treatments available to prevent its serious effects?

Complications of Dental Infection

Here are the possible complications caused by dental abscess:

Tooth loss – the affected tooth may need to be extracted. This will possibly happen if a dental abscess occurs again or if your tooth is severely damaged.

Sinusitis – this is an infection of the tiny air-filled cavities inside the skull. Sinusitis is commonly caused by a viral infection. The cavities behind your cheekbones can become infected due to the complication of a dental abscess. Symptoms of sinusitis include green or yellowish discharge from your nose, a blocked nose, sinus headache and bad breath.

Osteomyelitis – also referred to as the infection of the bone. One cause of this condition is due to the bacteria in an abscess that spreads and results in inflammation. The infection can affect any bone in the body once it is spread through your blood. Symptoms of osteomyelitis include fever, nausea and severe pain the afflicted bone.

Cavernous sinus thrombosis – the cavernous sinus is a hollow space found under your brain. This condition develops when there is a blood clot in the cavernous sinuses and this can be life threatening. The blood clot is caused by an infection in the face or skull that spreads to the cavernous sinuses.

Ludwig’s angina – this is a type of infection in the skin that occurs on the floor of the mouth. The condition is a potentially life-threatening infection, which may result in trouble breathing caused by blocked airway in severe cases. Symptoms include swelling, pain when moving the tongue, fever and difficulty swallowing or breathing.

Dental Treatments for Dental Infection

The following treatments aim to remove the infection. Your dentist may suggest and perform the following procedures:

• Your dentist will open and drain the abscess by making a small cut to allow the pus to drain out, followed by washing the area with saline solution.
• To save your tooth and eliminate the infection, your dentist will perform a root canal therapy. Your dentist will use a drill to remove the infected pulp and drain the abscess. Root canal therapy is usually followed by a dental crown treatment to make the treated tooth stronger.
• If the affected tooth can’t be saved with root canal therapy or other procedures then your dentist’s last option would be tooth extraction. Your dentist will remove the tooth and drain the abscess to eliminate the infection.
• Your dentist may not prescribe antibiotics if the infection is limited to the abscessed region. However, your dentist will likely prescribe antibiotics if the infection has already reached the nearby teeth, your jaw or other parts of the mouth. The medication will stop the infection from spreading further.

Effective Prevention and Treatment of Dental Infection in Bondi

Dental abscess and other dental problems can be prevented if you keep your mouth healthy and visit your dental team regularly. Infections in the mouth are considered emergency because it requires immediate dental care before it becomes worse or life threatening. To help you prevent the risks of dental infections, visit us here at Bondi Dental for effective prevention and treatment of minor and serious oral health diseases.

We are conveniently located in the Eastern Suburbs Bondi Beach, Bondi in Sydney, offering high quality dental services to the local Bondi community and its surrounding areas. Bondi Dental provides free parking facilities at rear of building.

Contact us today to claim your FREE Dental Consultation on a dental check-up, smile makeover, and dental implants. Bulk Bill Child Benefit Schedule Up to $1,000.Call on (02) 9365 7187or simply book your appointment online. Bondi Dentals group of professionals has combined experiences of over 60 years in all aspects of dentistry.

Call your Bondi dentist on (02) 9365 7187 or book your appointment online.

Visit us at 134 Curlewis St in Bondi Beach.