It is always best to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to determine whether or not your tooth infection is life threatening. The only way for them to properly assess your situation is for them to evaluate you in person, X-rays, and potentially other medical tests may be necessary to determine the extent of your infection and if your life is truly at risk.
Common signs that your tooth infection may be life threatening include fever, pain that does not go away after taking pain medication, facial swelling, vomiting or nausea, and having trouble breathing or swallowing.
Additionally, if your infection has spread to other parts of your body, like your brain or your blood, it could be a sign of a more serious infection.
If you experience any of these symptoms or think that your infection is serious, seek medical help immediately. A qualified healthcare professional will be able to determine if your tooth infection is life threatening and discuss the appropriate treatment plan with you.
What are the symptoms of a tooth infection spreading?
Symptoms of a tooth infection spreading include severe facial swelling, facial pain or tenderness, redness of the skin, fever and chills, swollen lymph nodes, general fatigue, bad breath and a foul taste in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, a foul smelling discharge from the infected area, and headache.
In some cases, the infection can also enter the bloodstream and travel to other parts of the body, resulting in more serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, confusion, dizziness, heart palpitations, or a severe drop in blood pressure.
If an infection is suspected, it is important to seek medical attention and treatment as soon as possible.
How long is too long for a tooth infection?
It is impossible to say how long is too long for a tooth infection without more information, such as the type of infection and symptoms present. Generally, a tooth infection can become more serious over time if it is not treated, and can cause permanent damage.
If a tooth infection is left untreated, it can spread to the jaw and other parts of the body. Thus, it is important to seek dental treatment for a tooth infection as soon as possible, even if the involved tooth is not causing any pain.
Symptoms of a tooth infection may include a persistent and increasing toothache, fever, gum swelling, bad breath, and swollen lymph nodes. In some cases, a dental professional may prescribe antibiotics as part of treatment.
When should you go to the ER for a tooth infection?
It is important to visit the ER if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms that could indicate a serious tooth infection: swelling of the face, jaw, or throat; pain so severe that it interferes with your daily activities or that is not relieved by over-the-counter pain medications; a fever or chills; nausea and/or vomiting; difficulty breathing or swallowing; and any other symptoms that may accompany an infection such as difficulty sleeping, headaches, and facial pressure.
Additionally, if you have a compromised immune system or underlying medical condition, you should be sure to go to the ER if you even suspect you have an infection. When in doubt, it is always better to be safe and seek medical attention.
What will ER do for tooth infection?
If you have a tooth infection, your dentist may recommend a root canal procedure to remove the infected tissue and relieve any pain. During a root canal, the dentist drills down into the infected tooth and removes any infected pulp, which is the inner layer of the tooth.
Then, the dentist will fill the area with a special material, or they may put in a post so that a crown can be placed over the tooth. Your dentist may also suggest an extraction, which is the removal of the entire tooth.
In some cases, your dentist may recommend a course of antibiotics to clear up the infection and also provide temporary relief from the pain. In severe cases of infection, dentists may also recommend an emergency root canal, which is a procedure that is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia.
Once the course of treatment is complete and the infection is cleared up, it is important to make sure that proper oral hygiene is maintained. This typically involves brushing twice daily, flossing every day, and using a mouthwash that contains fluoride.
It is also important to have regular dental checkups and professional cleanings to prevent any future infections from occurring.
Can the ER pull an infected tooth?
No, the Emergency Room (ER) cannot pull an infected tooth, as they do not have the specialized tools and training necessary to perform such a procedure. Instead, they may temporarily numb your face to help with pain relief, or alternatively, provide antibiotics to help manage the infection and reduce swelling.
If the infection is severe, ER doctors may refer you to an oral surgeon, who can determine the best course of action to remove the infected tooth. They may opt for a surgical removal if it is complicated, or a simple extraction if the situation can be dealt with appropriately.
To maintain your dental health, it’s best to visit your primary care dentist regularly to take preventive measures and keep any infection at bay, as the ER should be reserved for emergencies only.
Will the ER drain an abscess?
Yes, in some cases the Emergency Room (ER) may drain an abscess. An abscess is a pocket of infection that may require medical intervention to resolve. If the abscess is large or especially painful, the ER may be a good place to receive care.
The ER staff may provide pain relief and clean the abscess, and can potentially drain the abscess if necessary. If the ER staff recommends draining the abscess, they may apply a local anesthetic and use a sterile needle or scalpel to open the abscess and drain the contents.
In other cases, the ER staff may simply recommend a course of antibiotics, or may refer you to a specialist for further treatment. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to drain an abscess depends on its size, location, and severity of associated symptoms.
