Mild tooth infections can quickly turn into more severe cases when left untreated for too long. This can lead to the infection making its way to areas of the body, including the neck, jaw, and/or face. Symptoms of a tooth infection that may be spreading to the jaw include:
 
• Throbbing toothache
• Fever
• Swelling of the jaw area
• Cheek swelling
• Pain that suddenly becomes worse when you’re lying down
• Tooth sensitivity to touch
• Painful chewing
• Difficulty biting
• Throbbing pain in the jaw area
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Lightheadedness
• Dizziness

Tooth infections typically form abscesses that can be treated by the following procedures:
 
1. Root Canal
Severe tooth infections and abscesses can be fixed without having to completely remove the tooth. Your endodontic specialist can reach and treat the infected area by carefully drilling down on the infected tooth. During the root canal, your endodontist will remove the diseased pulp and nerve, drain the abscess, thoroughly clean the exposed area, fill the top, and then, during a follow-up appointment, your dentist will place a crown on the tooth.

2. Pulling the tooth
If a root canal won’t be able to save your tooth, your endodontist may need to completely extract it in order to reach and drain the abscess. Once your tooth has been extracted, you can talk with your provider about dental implants, bridges, partial dentures, and other amazing options to ensure you walk away with a confident smile.

3. Incision and Drainage
Incision and drainage of the abscess will decrease swelling, pain, and any other symptoms caused by your tooth infection. By making a small incision directly into this infected area, the pus will drain and the abscess can be fully cleaned. This will greatly reduce the chance of the infection spreading and will likely stop it altogether.

4. Antibiotic Treatment
If the infection has spread to your jaw or any other nearby area, you may be prescribed antibiotics. This type of medication will prevent the tooth infection from spreading further.

The major signs of a spreading tooth infection include fever, swelling, and severe pain in the affected areas. Even if your tooth infection is in the early stages, make sure to seek treatment as soon as you can. A minor toothache can lead to many uncomfortable symptoms that negatively impact your quality of life. If not treated in a timely manner, this discomfort can turn into a serious health issue.

Tooth infections that have traveled to the jawbone can lead to severe dental abscesses and jawbone infections. Osteomyelitis in the jaw causes persistent pain, jaw stiffness, swelling, and tenderness.
 
Additionally, bacterial infections of the teeth can also spread to the bloodstream and cause sepsis. This medical condition is more likely to occur in patients with a weakened immune system. Sepsis caused by a tooth infection can be fatal and will need emergency care.
 
If you are experiencing any symptoms of a tooth infection, reach out to Ideal Endodontics for immediate, high-quality care. Our team of specialized endodontists can help prevent your tooth infection from spreading to your jaw. We would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have about tooth infection treatment. Please give us a call during our business hours or set up an online appointment with one of our amazing endodontists conveniently located in Washington, DC, and Woodbridge, VA. We serve patients from Washington DC, Woodbridge VA, Arlington VA, Lorton VA, Manassas VA, Springfield VA, Alexandria VA, and Silver Spring MD.