A tooth infection or "tooth abscess" is a collection of pus and leaner that forms within the tooth or gum.

Without proper handling, tooth infections can spread to other areas of the body, and this tin can lead to serious and potentially life threatening complications. To reduce the risk of complications, a person should seek treatment for a tooth infection as early on as possible.

In this article, we outline what happens when a tooth infection spreads. We also provide information on how to treat and prevent molar infections.

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If a tooth infection is left untreated, it can spread to the face and neck.

The rima oris is full of bacteria from foods, saliva, and plaque. Sometimes, these leaner can enter into a tooth or beneath the gumline, resulting in a tooth infection or abscess. An abscess is the medical term for a pocket of pus and bacteria that forms within the body's tissues.

In virtually cases, tooth infections are hands treatable. Yet, a person who delays handling is at risk of developing the following complications:

  • Osteomyelitis: An infection of the os surrounding the tooth.
  • Clangorous sinus thrombosis: An infection of the claret vessels within the sinuses.
  • Cellulitis: An infection of the pare and fat direct beneath the pare.
  • Parapharyngeal abscess: An abscess at the back of the oral cavity.
  • Sepsis: A serious medical condition in which the allowed system severely overreacts to an infection in the blood.

Without treatment, a molar infection tin spread to the face and neck. Astringent infections may fifty-fifty reach more distant parts of the trunk. In some cases, they may go systemic, affecting multiple tissues and systems throughout the body.

It is rare for a molar infection to spread to other parts of the body. Notwithstanding, if this does happen, the consequences tin can be severe.

The post-obit symptoms could indicate that a tooth infection has spread to some other part of the torso. A person who has a suspected tooth infection and develops any of these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention:

  • painful natural language and mouth
  • swelling of the confront, neck, and cheeks
  • itching or burning sensation on the skin
  • nausea
  • airsickness
  • fever
  • severe headache
  • double vision or loss of vision
  • drooping eyelids
  • difficulty breathing
  • defoliation

A person should see their dentist at the kickoff sign of a tooth infection. Early handling will help foreclose the infection from spreading into other tissues.

A tooth infection that has spread is a medical emergency. Such infections can quickly become widespread and severe. Systemic infections can be life threatening.

A person should contact a dentist for an emergency appointment as soon as possible. If at that place are no dentists bachelor, a person should visit the emergency department of their nearest hospital.

A dentist or doctor will provide treatments to target the infection and finish information technology from spreading further.

The type of treatment that a person receives for a tooth infection will depend on several factors, including:

  • the initial location of the abscess
  • whether, and to what extent, the infection has spread
  • the extent of the immune system'south reaction to the infection

Possible treatments for a tooth infection include those below.

Root canal handling

Root canal treatment (RCT) may be necessary to treat an abscess deep inside the tooth. The procedure involves drilling into the tooth to remove the accumulated pus and bacteria at the root.

The dentist will then fill the space with a prophylactic-like cloth called gutta-percha. Once the tooth has healed, they will restore it with a crown or a permanent filling to prevent further infections.

Apicoectomy

Sometimes, RCT is not plenty to become rid of a molar infection. In such cases, a dentist may recommend a procedure chosen an apicoectomy, or a root end resection. This procedure involves opening up the gums to remove the finish of the tooth root along with any infected tissue.

Antibiotics

A dentist may likewise prescribe antibiotics to reduce the infection and cease it from spreading.

If the infection has already spread, a person may need to extend the form of their antibody treatment. Alternatively, they may need to switch to a dissimilar blazon of antibiotic.

If the infection is severe, a person may demand to stay in the hospital and receive antibiotics through an intravenous drip.

Drainage

In certain cases, information technology may be necessary to drain pus directly from the site of the infection.

For case, drainage may be necessary to remove pus from a parapharyngeal abscess at the back of the mouth.

Treatment of sepsis

Sepsis is a serious medical condition that occurs when the immune organisation severely overreacts to an infection in the blood. Untreated sepsis can lead to septic shock. With septic shock, a person'south blood pressure drops dangerously low, which tin can pb to organ failure and fifty-fifty death.

People who have sepsis volition demand treatment from an intensive care unit. Such treatment typically involves intravenous antibiotics and fluids.

Other treatments may be necessary to support the body's organs and limit the damage resulting from the infection. Such treatments may include dialysis or surgery.

The following tips should assistance reduce a person'southward chances of developing a tooth infection:

  • brushing the teeth twice a day using a toothpaste that contains fluoride
  • fugitive rinsing the mouth or drinking annihilation immediately later on brushing the teeth
  • using floss or interdental brushes at least once a twenty-four hours
  • limiting the intake of sugary foods and drinks
  • visiting the dentist regularly

If a tooth infection does occur, a person should see their dentist or doctor immediately.

Most tooth infections are hands treatable. However, if a person delays handling, a tooth infection tin spread to other parts of the body. One time the infection has spread, it can apace pb to severe and potentially life threatening complications.

A person who suspects that their molar infection has spread should, therefore, seek immediate medical treatment.

The most effective mode to prevent tooth infections is to maintain good oral hygiene. People can exercise this past limiting their sugar intake, brushing their teeth twice a day, and visiting the dentist regularly.