A dental abscess—a severe infection located beyond the root of a tooth or between the gums and the teeth—not only causes pain in the patient’s mouth, but it can also lead to broader systemic problems throughout the body.
If the dental abscess is not treated, the bacteria from the infection can spread to other parts of the body via the bloodstream.
An oral surgeon may also suggest draining an abscess by making an incision or several incisions in the gum, soft tissue, and muscles of the face and neck.
Certain complications can occur if an abscess is not treated promptly, and two of these are bacteremia and septicemia.
Bacteremia is the presence of bacteria in the blood. Because blood is typically a sterile environment, bacteria from the abscess can have far-reaching consequences if they enter the bloodstream. Bacteremia symptoms include a mild fever, nausea, and distal infection.
Bacteremia may occasionally resolve on its own. It may also progress to septicaemia, a more serious blood infection characterised by chills, high fever, rapid heartbeat, severe nausea, vomiting, and confusion. These symptoms indicate a more widespread immune system inflammatory response to microbes in the blood, tissue, gums, or bone from a tooth abscess. Blood poisoning is a colloquial term for sepsis, which is also used to describe septicaemia.
If the septicaemia is not controlled, sepsis, which is frequently fatal, develops. Severe sepsis is characterised by a systemic inflammatory response, infection, and the presence of organ dysfunction. Sepsis causes shock and organ failure, which ultimately leads to death. Sepsis is extremely difficult to reverse once it has begun.
Fortunately, if a tooth abscess is treated promptly, bacteremia and septicaemia can be avoided. Patients should not wait for the abscess to rupture or worsen on its own. Some abscesses can be painless and chronic, but a patient is also at risk for bacteremia and septicaemia from a chronic infection. Any dental infection in necessitates the immediate attention of a professional.
Fever, swollen lymph nodes, and extreme tooth sensitivity are all signs that an ordinary toothache is developing into something more serious.
Tooth abscess, Dental Infections Treatment Melbourne CBD
Tooth abscess, Dental Infections Treatment Melbourne CBD
Your dentist will perform an emergency exam on the affected area, which may include x-rays, to determine the extent of the problem and any potential causes. Please notify your dentist if anything happened recently that caused trauma to your tooth or if your medical history has changed.
To be able to evaluate the tooth further or provide necessary treatment such as a root canal to address the cause of the abscess, your dentist may need to drain the abscess and/or prescribe an antibiotic regimen.
Many types of dental emergencies can be relieved by draining the abscess, starting a root canal, and taking pain medication.