While jaw infections are fairly rare, they will require medical attention and care as soon as possible. They typically begin after experiencing any gum lesions, tooth abscess, and serious injury that involves the mouth or head area. Note that infections in general can spread rapidly throughout the body, and in the case of a jaw infection, the skin and other parts of the head and neck are most at risk. When left untreated, these bacterial infections commonly lead to lasting long-term health complications and can even become life-threatening. Treatment for the infection will begin with antibiotics as it has proven to be the most effective way to treat the infection. Like all infections, the severity will depend on the individual and the specific cause of the infection. You must seek to contact your doctor if you believe you show signs of infection as the quicker it is brought up, the easier the infection will be to treat.

There are many symptoms one should look out for if you believe your jawbone is infected. Common symptoms of jaw infections include jaw pain, stiffness or tenderness, swelling of the gums or lower area of the face, and tooth sensitivity. It is also worth noting that people frequently report that they experience pain that spreads to the ear and neck area as well, which makes it even more difficult to sleep and lay down. Experiencing the listed symptoms may be indicative of an infection, or another potentially related condition. You should also consider any recent medical events that have occurred. If you have experienced abscessed teeth, gum lesions, or even a traumatic injury in the mouth or head area, there may be a chance of a jaw infection. In addition, more invasive dental procedures may have a chance of causing an infection if not handled properly. If you are showing infection symptoms, or have recently experienced medical events that may cause an infection, it is heavily advised to contact your medical provider as soon as possible. From there, they will be able to recommend the appropriate treatment and recovery options.

The rate at which a jaw infection will spread will vary among individuals, but there are some general estimates and advice on how to approach the condition. Osteomyelitis is the term used when the jawbone is infected, and it will generally take several days or weeks for the bacteria to infect the jawbone. An infection will nearly always spread fastest when left untreated for a prolonged duration. With that in mind, it is imperative to seek treatment as soon as you can. As previously stated, it is very difficult to give a general answer to the exact amount of time it will take for the infection to spread without seeing a medical professional. The best way to ensure that the infection slows is to seek treatment with a qualified medical professional.

Osteomyelitis is largely regarded as a “deep infection” of the jaw, however, it can be both acute or chronic. Symptoms commonly include facial swelling, pain, throbbing, stiffness or lack of mobility, and sensitivity. Additionally, it is most common to see the infection develop in people who have tooth abscesses or gum lesions. There are also severe consequences for not properly attending to the infection. It tends to spread throughout the mid-head to lower neck area over time and while this is occurring, pain begins to become more severe. It is also essential to understand that it frequently leads to a plethora of other conditions or becomes fatal when left untreated. Because of the nature of the bacterial infection, it can be properly eased with antibiotics, however, in some cases, antibiotics alongside surgery are needed to help treat patients. With this in mind, catching the infection early and relaying your concerns to a doctor will lead to the smoothest possible treatment for a jaw infection.

Untreated jawbone infections can result in autoimmune disorders, inflammatory illnesses, and general health issues such as ALS, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, etc. Dr. Ali Manesh, DMD at Ideal Endodontics, offers safe and effective treatments to cure jaw infections. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 1145 19th Street NW, Suite 314 Washington, DC 20036. We serve patients from Washington DC, Woodbridge VA, Arlington VA, Lorton VA, Manassas VA, Springfield VA, Alexandria VA, and Silver Spring MD.