What Can Happen With a Bacterial Tooth Infection

Treating a tooth infection is a top priority. This bacterial infection can lead to dangerous complications if it does not receive immediate treatment. Delaying treatment means giving bacteria more damaging and infecting power. If you want to know what might happen with a worsening bacterial tooth infection, here are the details.

Sinus infection

The sinuses in the face are close to the teeth. A bacterial tooth infection can spread to the sinuses by traveling through the bloodstream. This condition may be rare, but it is possible. The infection can form a life-threatening clot at the base of the brain.

Tooth loss

An untreated tooth infection can worsen over time. The tooth can have severe decay. The infection can spread to the gums, jawbone, and periodontal ligament. These supportive areas of the tooth will deteriorate. The tooth can fall out from its socket on its own, or the endodontist will have to extract it.

Bone infection

Bacteria in the tooth infection can spread to the surrounding gums and jawbone. The blood circulating in the jawbone will harbor the bacteria. The infection will then spread to the bone marrow of other bones in the body. The bone infection will cause severe pain, which will start in the jawbone. Fever may go with the pain as the bacteria damages the jawbone.

Ludwig’s angina

This is a rare complication of untreated tooth infection. Ludwig’s angina starts at the bottom of the mouth, underneath the tongue. The individual will experience difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, and drooling. Fever, neck swelling, neck pain, and fatigue may also occur. The individual may also experience strange speech, confusion, and tongue swelling. This complication will need emergency medical attention.

Bacteremia

Other words for this condition are septicemia and blood poisoning. This is a condition in which the bacteria from the tooth infection have already reached the bloodstream. Bacteremia can result in sepsis. The individual will experience a drop in blood pressure, high fever, sweating, and weakness at this point. Seeking medical attention is important.

Meningitis

This is a condition resulting from a bacterial infection in the brain. The tooth infection has already spread into the spinal cord and brain via the bloodstream and lymph. This can be a life-threatening condition. The individual must go to the ER right away. Some of the early symptoms to watch out for are:

• Sudden fever spike
• Severe purple skin rashes
• Stiff neck
• Seizures
• Loss of appetite
• Severe headache
• Lethargy
• Light sensitivity
• Confusion
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Treating bacterial tooth infection

Incision and drainage can clear the tooth and gums of the infection. Pus will continue to drain as the swelling goes down. The dentist will order a dental X-ray and CT scan to see the extent of the infection. Severe damage to the tooth and jawbone will need a dental extraction. The endodontist will remove the tooth. The pus will then drain from the abscess.

An isolated abscess inside the pulp cavity and root canals will need root canal therapy. The endodontist will clean out the infected pulp, disinfect the space, and fill it with gutta-percha. Then, a dental crown will cover the treated tooth. This will prevent future infection and dental damage. Taking antibiotics will kill the bacteria left in the area.