A tooth abscess complication includes tooth loss, jaw bone damage, neighboring tooth damage or loss, sinus problems, brain abscess, heart damage, hospitalization, coma, and even death. The pressure caused by pus swelling inside the jaw bone causes inflammation of the bone (osteomyelitis) and this bone can die in the area of the swelling. If the bone doesn't heal and regrow, painful defects may form inside the bone(cavitations). If the bone surrounding a tooth dies, the tooth becomes loose due to the lack of support and can fall out. If the inflammation spreads to the bone surrounding the adjacent teeth, they also can be lost.

          The roots of the upper molar teeth are often located in the maxillary sinuses. If a tooth abscess generates pus, then a tooth abscess complication can be the sinus filling up with pus. Another serious problem is coma from septicemia of the brain. The brain is only about three inches from the tooth roots and a dental infection from a tooth abscess can spread to the brain through the veins in the head.

          Endocarditis can also be a tooth abscess complication. Endocarditis is the inflammation of the inside of the heart and can be caused by bacteria from a tooth abscess. The bacteria attach to the inside of the heart, grow and can damage the heart permanently. If the bacteria enter the lungs, they can cause pneumonia.

          The most serious worry is death. If a tooth abscess if left untreated it can grow and spread through the soft tissue of the face and cause dramatic outward facial swelling called cellulitis. If the swelling grows under the jaw it can cause Ludwig's angina, block off the airway and suffocate the patient. If you are concerned about tooth abscess complications and would like to schedule a free dental consultation with Atlanta Dentist, Dr. Mark Allan Padolsky, make an appointment at 404-874-7428.