An infected tooth, often referred to as a dental abscess, represents a localized collection of pus that develops within the tooth, gums, or bone surrounding the tooth. This condition typically arises from untreated tooth decay, which allows bacteria to penetrate the tooth’s outermost layers and reach the inner pulp, containing nerves and blood vessels. Trauma to a tooth or advanced gum disease can also create pathways for bacteria to invade these deeper tissues. This initiates an infection within the pulp, a soft tissue encased by the tooth’s hard structures.
How an Infected Tooth Progresses
An infection within a tooth can progress at varying rates, influenced by several factors unique to each individual. Initially, the infection might be confined to the tooth’s pulp chamber, causing localized inflammation and discomfort. As bacteria multiply, the infection can extend beyond the tooth’s root tip, invading the surrounding alveolar bone, the gums, and adjacent soft tissues of the face and neck. The speed of this spread depends on elements such as the strength of the individual’s immune system, the specific types of bacteria involved, and the precise location of the affected tooth.
Some dental infections can advance slowly over several weeks, with symptoms like mild pain or sensitivity gradually worsening. Others can escalate rapidly, potentially within days or even hours, especially if the body’s immune defenses are weakened. Previous attempts at self-treatment, which might inadvertently delay proper care, can also contribute to a faster and more severe progression. The infection can create a pathway through the bone, forming a sinus tract or fistula that drains pus into the mouth.
Serious Health Complications
If left untreated, a tooth infection can lead to severe health complications that extend beyond the oral cavity. The infection can spread locally, causing conditions such as osteomyelitis, an inflammation of the bone marrow in the jaw, or cellulitis, a rapidly spreading bacterial infection of the skin and underlying tissues in the face or neck. A dental fistula indicates the infection’s continued presence and potential for wider dissemination.
More significant risks involve the spread of bacteria into deeper anatomical spaces, leading to life-threatening systemic conditions. Ludwig’s angina is a severe, rapidly spreading infection of the floor of the mouth and neck that can obstruct the airway, making breathing difficult and potentially fatal without immediate intervention. Another rare but severe complication is cavernous sinus thrombosis, where a blood clot forms in a large vein at the base of the brain, potentially causing neurological damage, vision loss, or even death. Furthermore, uncontrolled infection can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening response to infection that triggers a chain reaction throughout the body, leading to organ damage and potentially death. These systemic complications underscore the urgency of addressing tooth infections promptly.
Urgent Signs and Actions
Recognizing specific warning signs indicates when an infected tooth requires immediate medical or dental intervention. Persistent and severe throbbing pain that does not subside with over-the-counter pain relievers can indicate a worsening infection. Swelling in the face or neck that is rapidly increasing in size or making it difficult to open the mouth suggests the infection is spreading aggressively. Difficulty swallowing or breathing are particularly serious symptoms that may point to an infection compromising the airway, such as in cases of Ludwig’s angina.
Other systemic signs, including a fever, chills, a rapid heart rate, or confusion, suggest the infection may be entering the bloodstream and potentially leading to sepsis. A severe headache, especially when accompanied by vision changes or eye pain, could be a symptom of a more serious spread, such as cavernous sinus thrombosis. Any of these severe symptoms necessitate immediate emergency care, either from a dentist or an emergency room.