An Untreated Tooth Infection Can Be Fatal

Posted on by .

Are you tempted to treat a tooth infection at home because it’s cheaper, more convenient, or helps you avoid the dentist? Published research on untreated tooth infections that led to fatalities can help you understand how going to a dentist for root canal treatment can be life-saving.

The Journal of Endodontics published results from a study that showed 66 people died from tooth infections from 2000-2008. Additionally, the Sacramento Bee and Fox News reported the case of Californian Vadim Kondratyuk Anatoliyevich, a 26-year-old husband and father of two girls. Vidim was a long-haul truck driver who developed a tooth infection. In January 2017, while driving to New York on a long-haul job, Vadim’s tooth infection worsened, so he stopped in Oklahoma to see a dentist who prescribed antibiotics. As Vadim continued his travel to New York, the toothache got better, then worse, and the side of his face began to swell.

Vadim made his delivery in New York but could not drive home due to the severity of his tooth infection. Vadim’s brother flew to New York to drive him back to California. However, Vadim had difficulty breathing and became pale, so his brother took him to a Utah hospital, where he was placed on oxygen and flown to a Salt Lake City facility.

A diagram of root canal treatment steps including removing the infection, filling the canals, and crowning the tooth

Root canal treatment gets rid of a tooth infection

The infection had spread to Vadim’s blood and lungs. Despite stronger antibiotics and dialysis, the doctors in Salt Lake City could not save him. Vadim’s wife was able to fly to the hospital in Utah to say goodbye before he died.

At-home care is not enough to treat a tooth infection. Antibiotics are insufficient because an infected tooth is dead and does not have blood circulation to transport medication. If you have a toothache, address it by seeing a dentist for root canal treatment—the only way to remove infection from a tooth. By seeing a dentist immediately for root canal treatment, you can avoid a tooth infection that spreads and becomes life-threatening.

 

Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post.

Is a Tooth Infection Causing My Fever?

Posted on by .

I’ve had a low fever for two weeks, and I think a tooth infection may be causing it. At first, I thought it was the flu or some virus because I have been running a temperature and am achy. Last night, my temperature was 102.6. I know I have a few decayed teeth that I think might need fillings or root canals, but I have put off going to the dentist. Could the tooth infection be giving me a fever and making me sick? Marcus from New Haven, CT

Marcus,

You may have a tooth infection. Fever alone is not a sign of a tooth infection, but you may be right if you have decayed teeth that need root canal treatment. But please do not guess what is causing your symptoms. It is best to see a dentist promptly because you may have a tooth abscess.

What Are the Symptoms of a Tooth Abscess?

Some of the symptoms of a tooth abscess include:

  • A persistent toothache with pain in your jaw, ear, or neck
  • Sensitivity in the tooth to heat and cold
  • Pain or sensitivity when you chew or bite
  • Fever
  • Swollen face or cheek
  • Swollen or tender lymph nodes in your neck or under your jaw
  • A sudden rush of foul-smelling and foul-tasting fluid in your mouth and toothache relief if the abscess ruptures

What Is the Treatment for a Tooth Abscess?

A dentist can save an abscessed tooth with root canal treatment or surgery (apicoectomy). A tooth infection can poison your system and cause the symptoms you describe. See a dentist immediately to determine if you need a root canal treatment or a different treatment.

Dental implant components, including root form, abutment, and crown

Dental implants imitate natural teeth

Most likely, a dentist can save teeth in bad condition with root canal treatment. In rare cases, a dentist must remove and replace the tooth. Replacing missing teeth protects you from further oral health problems. When several teeth are missing, your body resorbs the jawbone and uses minerals from it elsewhere. Dental implants are the most effective treatment because they fuse with your jawbone and prevent jawbone resorption and facial sagging.

The sooner you seek treatment, the easier it will be to resolve the issue. Contact a dentist right away.

Dr. Steven Brooksher, a Baton Rouge dentist, sponsors this post.