You cannot leave a dental abcess untreated, as it will not resolve itself. Instead, you need to make plans immediately to have it examined and treated by us. The following information gives you more details about what can happen if you do not have the condition addressed.
Why A Dental Abcess Is Dangerous
A dental abcess is dangerous, as it represents a serious bacterial infection. If you do not remove the bacteria and clean out the pus-filled sac, it may lead to an emergency and life-threatening event. For example, if an abcess is not treated right away, a condition, known as sepsis, can evolve. According to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention, or CDC, sepsis represents an extreme response by the body to an infection – in this case, a dental abcess. This life-threatening medical emergency happens when an infection causes a synchronous chain of events in the body. If sepsis is not treated as an emergency, you can experience tissue damage or organ failure, and ultimately death.
Do You Have A Dental Abcess?
Sometimes, a dental abcess does not show any symptoms. Therefore, it is important to see us regularly to have your periodontal health checked. We can perform a dental exam that will help us get a better idea of your gum health and the extent of a current periodontal infection. When you do have symptoms, you may experience a throbbing tooth pain, intense sensitivity to hold or cold temperatures, or sweets or swelling of the face or lymph nodes. If you taste a foul liquid in your mouth, the abcess has ruptured, while this usually brings pain relief, you still have not treated the infection. If you pass this point, you could develop a life-threatening condition known as sepsis.
We want you to have healthier gums and teeth. That is why we are committed to helping you with all aspects of your periodontal care. Call us today to schedule an appointment for a comprehensive periodontal exam.