Is a Tooth Infection Dangerous?
I had a broken molar. It was doing okay but now my mouth hurts and now my cheek has started hurting. I took some antibiotics I had left over from a throat infection, but it doesn’t seem to be helping. One of the guys at work said that leaving it is dangerous, but I don’t have dental insurance. I don’t really feel like spending a ton of money if it is not dangerous. It hurts, but I can live with it. So, is it really dangerous?
Danny
Dear Danny,
I’m afraid your friend at work is correct. Untreated tooth infections are dangerous. In fact, people die from untreated tooth infections every year. This is because antibiotics alone do not cure a tooth infection. This is why you weren’t having any luck with the antibiotics you used. Though, I’m a bit concerned about you having leftover antibiotics. I don’t know if your doctor told you this but when you are prescribed antibiotics it is important you finish the entire amount even though you will be feeling better much sooner, often within twenty-four hours.
The most antibiotics can do is temporarily hold off the spread of a tooth infection. The only way to truly treat an infected tooth is to remove the infected pulp. There are two ways to do that. The first is by having a root canal treatment done. This is normally the best course of action because it will save the natural tooth structure.
If that isn’t possible than the second way to treat the infection is by extracting the tooth. That does mean you will need to replace the tooth. Otherwise you risk the adjacent teeth shifting or tipping into the empty spot. This will lead to bite problems and possibly TMJ Disorder. While a dental implant is the best tooth replacement, I know you are on a limited budget. Your dentist is ethically responsible for sharing all the options with you.
Get to a dentist. This infection you have is spreading. It’s already up to your cheek. You don’t want it spreading further and reaching your brain.
This blog is brought to you by Moline Dentist Dr. Thomas Goebel.