A dental abscess is a severe tooth infection. Signs and symptoms of a dental abscess may include throbbing tooth pain, severe pain in your jaw and ear, facial swelling, swollen lymph nodes, and a bad taste in your mouth. Your family dentist in Chicago, IL, will recommend that you seek prompt treatment for your abscessed tooth because delayed treatment may raise your risk for the following.
Tooth Loss
If you don’t seek treatment for your dental abscess, your tooth may need to be extracted. A root canal procedure can save your tooth, however, you’ll need to see a dentist as soon as possible. During your root canal, the dentist will remove the infected material from your tooth and then fill the space with a special compound. After these steps have been completed, the tooth will be covered with a dental crown.
Sepsis and Airway Obstruction
Your family dentist in Chicago, IL, may also warn you that if your dental abscess is not treated quickly, the bacteria from your tooth may spread to other parts of your body. A body-wide infection known as sepsis can be life-threatening if not recognized and treated with antibiotics.
Also, infectious bacteria from your abscess may cause your airway to swell up. If the swelling is severe, your airway may become obstructed and you may not be able to breathe. This is a medical emergency that will need to be treated at the nearest hospital.
To schedule a dental appointment, call Chicago Dental Arts or stop by the website.
