How Long Can a Tooth Infection Go Untreated?

A tooth infection is a very good reason to look for an emergency dentist in Murphy. If you suspect your tooth might be infected, it’s essential not to ignore your symptoms.

Tooth infections don’t get better on their own, and they require special treatment such as root canals to heal.

Keep on reading to understand why you should never let a tooth infection go untreated.

What Are the Symptoms of a Tooth Infection? 

Tooth infections often present with uncomfortable symptoms such as:

• High levels of pain
• Swelling
• Heightened sensitivity to hot and cold
• Tooth discoloration
• Tooth cracks, etc.

The severity of these symptoms alone is reason enough to see an emergency dentist in Murphy. Most patients cannot manage their discomfort at home with OTC pain medication and other remedies.

Should I Be Worried About My Tooth Infection? 

Tooth infections are a serious oral health issue. They occur when a cavity is left unchecked for a long time, which means bacteria has made its way inside the tooth and is eating away at the pulp and nerves.

Untreated infection can cause permanent damage to your tooth. The infection weakens the tooth so much that it can easily chip or crack when you try to eat.

Moreover, the larger the infection, the more tooth tissue you’ll lose. To treat an infected tooth, the dentist must clean it inside and remove all the bacteria and damaged pulp. 

What Will Happen If I Do Not Treat My Tooth Infection?

In the best cases, an untreated tooth infection can lead to permanent tooth loss. If the bacteria severely affects the tooth, the dentist may not be able to perform a root canal in order to save it. Instead, they will likely recommend a tooth extraction.

And yes, this is the best case. A tooth infection works exactly like any other type of infection, meaning it can spread to other tissues such as nearby teeth, gums, or even your jawbone.

And in very severe cases, a tooth infection can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening complication that needs urgent care. Signs of sepsis can include:

• A high fever, which is usually the first sign
• Loss of consciousness
• Confusion or disorientation
• High heart rate, etc.

If you noticed a fever on top of your tooth infection symptoms, call 911 right away for immediate care.

Get the Best Emergency Dental Care at Parkside Dental

If you’re looking for an emergency dentist in Murphy to help treat your infected tooth, Jason Larsen DDS is here to help.

Swift action is essential to preserving your tooth and removing your discomfort, so don’t wait for a regular appointment. Call us at (972) 442-7550 immediately for emergency dental care.

If you want to book a regular visit, schedule a consultation at Parkside Dental online, and stop by to access quality and compassionate oral health care.