A tooth infection or "tooth abscess" is a collection of pus and bacteria that forms inside the tooth or mucilage.

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

In this article, nosotros outline what happens when a tooth infection spreads. Nosotros as well provide information on how to care for and prevent molar infections.

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

The mouth is full of leaner 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 leaner that forms within the body'due south tissues.

In about cases, molar infections are easily treatable. Even so, a person who delays treatment is at risk of developing the post-obit complications:

  • Osteomyelitis: An infection of the bone surrounding the tooth.
  • Cavernous sinus thrombosis: An infection of the blood vessels within the sinuses.
  • Cellulitis: An infection of the pare and fatty directly beneath the skin.
  • Parapharyngeal abscess: An abscess at the back of the mouth.
  • Sepsis: A serious medical condition in which the immune system severely overreacts to an infection in the blood.

Without treatment, a tooth infection can spread to the confront and neck. Severe infections may even reach more distant parts of the body. In some cases, they may become systemic, affecting multiple tissues and systems throughout the trunk.

It is rare for a molar infection to spread to other parts of the torso. However, if this does happen, the consequences can exist severe.

The following symptoms could signal that a tooth infection has spread to another office of the body. A person who has a suspected tooth infection and develops whatsoever of these symptoms should seek firsthand medical attention:

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

A person should encounter their dentist at the first sign of a molar infection. Early treatment will help forbid the infection from spreading into other tissues.

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

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

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

The blazon of handling that a person receives for a molar 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's reaction to the infection

Possible treatments for a tooth infection include those beneath.

Root canal treatment

Root canal treatment (RCT) may be necessary to treat an abscess deep inside the molar. 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 material chosen gutta-percha. Once the tooth has healed, they will restore it with a crown or a permanent filling to forestall further infections.

Apicoectomy

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

Antibiotics

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

If the infection has already spread, a person may need to extend the course of their antibiotic treatment. Alternatively, they may need to switch to a different type of antibiotic.

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

Drainage

In certain cases, it may exist necessary to drain pus directly from the site of the infection.

For example, 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 arrangement severely overreacts to an infection in the claret. Untreated sepsis can lead to septic shock. With septic shock, a person'due south claret pressure drops dangerously depression, which tin lead to organ failure and even death.

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

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

The following tips should assist reduce a person's chances of developing a molar infection:

  • brushing the teeth twice a day using a toothpaste that contains fluoride
  • avoiding rinsing the mouth or drinking anything immediately after brushing the teeth
  • using floss or interdental brushes at least one time a 24-hour interval
  • limiting the intake of sugary foods and drinks
  • visiting the dentist regularly

If a molar infection does occur, a person should meet their dentist or doctor immediately.

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

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

The most effective way to forbid molar infections is to maintain good oral hygiene. People can do this by limiting their saccharide intake, brushing their teeth twice a day, and visiting the dentist regularly.