If your tooth has been hurting for a while lately, you need to be aware that in addition to a lot of pain, you may have a serious infection of the tooth, called a dental abscess.
While you may be worried that the dental abscess might be costly, not treating it could be even costlier. Take a look at some of the complications that an abscess can cause.
Dental Cyst
If you leave an abscess untreated, you could get a dental cyst. A dental cyst is a cavity that opens up at the root of a tooth. It is filled with fluid. If you get a dental cyst, you have to have it removed by an oral surgeon, and the area will have to be treated with antibiotics.
Bone Infection (Osteomyelitis)
If you don't get your abscess looked at, you can also get osteomyelitis, which is an infection of the bone. The bad news is that not only can osteomyelitis happen in your jawbone, which causes serious pain, fever and nausea, but it can also spread to any bone in your body. Often, osteomyelitis can cause you to have to be hospitalized so that you can be treated with IV antibiotics.
Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis
Everything in your mouth area is connected, and your teeth aren't that far away from your brain. There are times when an abscessed tooth causes a sinus infection and blood clots in your sinuses, which is very dangerous. The blood clot can travel to your brain and cause a stroke. You will have to be treated with antibiotics or you may have to have surgery to drain the sinus.
We're not telling you all of this information to scare you. Instead, we are telling you that if you think you have a cavity, you need to get it checked and filled. That way, none of these complications of a dental abscess have to happen to you. If you have questions about tooth pain or a dental abscess, why not give us a call at (425) 616-0620? Let us answer your toothache questions.
Dental Blog | Dentist Edmonds, WA | Perrinville Family Dentistry Dr. Jacky from Perrinville Family Dentistry is offering this blog as a resource to the community. Click here to learn more about procedures, home care, and more! Perrinville Family Dentistry, 7533 Olympic View Dr. Suite C Edmonds, WA 98026 \ (425) 616-0620 \ perrinvillefamilydentistry.com \ 12/6/2023 \ Page Phrases: dentist \
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If your tooth has been hurting for a while lately, you need to be aware that in addition to a lot of pain, you may have a serious infection of the tooth, called a dental abscess. 
Gary J. Jacky, DMD