Signs of an infected tooth

The Hidden Dangers of an Infected Tooth: Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Seek Emergency Dental Care

Tooth pain is never convenient—but when the cause is an infection, it’s also never something to ignore. At South Kansas City Emergency Dental, one of the most common and serious conditions we treat is a tooth infection, or dental abscess. While the discomfort can be intense, many patients don’t realize how quickly an infected tooth can turn from a small issue into a true medical emergency.

If you’re experiencing swelling, throbbing pain, or sensitivity that isn’t going away, here’s what you need to know about the dangers of an infected tooth—and why urgent treatment is essential.

What Causes a Tooth Infection?

A tooth infection typically develops when harmful bacteria enter the inner layers of the tooth through:

• Deep cavities

• Cracked or broken teeth

• Advanced gum disease

• Failing or old dental work

Once inside the tooth, bacteria multiply, creating pressure and inflammation that will only worsen without treatment.

Warning Signs of tooth infection you should never ignore

Common warning signs of a tooth infection include:

• throbbing or persistent toothache

• Swelling in the face or jaw

• Increased sensitivity to cold and hot

• Rotten taste or foul odor in the mouth

• Limited range of mouth opening or restricted opening

• Swollen lymph nodes and fever

Even if these symptoms might temporarily subside, the underlying infection does not.

Real Medical Dangers: What Can Happen if an Infected Tooth Is Left Untreated

1. The Infection may Spread

The infection can rapidly spread into the surrounding bone, causing severe inflammation and bone necrosis.

2. Facial and Neck Swelling

As the infection spreads, swelling can travel into the face, neck (potentially) compromising the airway—this requires immediate emergency care.

3. Whole Body Health Complications

Untreated dental infections may cause:

• Sepsis (when the body's extreme response to bacterial insult damages its own tissues)

• Heart infection (endocarditis)

• Brain or sinus infections (encephalitis)

These are medical emergencies that highlight the importance of fast dental treatment.

4. Tooth Loss

Early treatment can often save an infected tooth. Waiting too long may lead to extraction as the only option.

South Kansas City Emergency Dental:  Infected Teeth

At South Kansas City Emergency Dental, our number one priority is to alleviate your pain quickly and halt the spread of infection. Depending on the specifics of your condition, we may recommend:

• Abscess drainage (drainage of the infection)

• Antibiotics (to kill the bacteria causing the infection)

• Root canal therapy (to clean, disinfect and seal the tooth)

• Tooth extraction (if the tooth cannot be saved)

We custom tailor treatment to restore your comfort and ensure your long-term oral health.

When to Seek Emergency Dental Care

Contact South Kansas City Emergency Dental immediately if you experience:

• Persistent and severe tooth pain

• Swelling in the moth

• Pain with associated fever (fever is a sign the body is fighting an infection)

• Swelling in the neck restricting breathing (this can be potentially life-threatening)

• A cracked tooth causing pain or annoyance to the tooth or check

  
  

Dental infections spread rapidly, especially if you have a compromised immune system such as in diabetics—early intervention is the key to successful outcomes.

Visit South Kansas City Emergency Dental

If you experience any of the above symptoms, don’t wait. Call our office immediately at 816

601 1817.

South Kansas City Emergency Dental📍 1005 Cedar St., Pleasant Hill, MO 64080

We’re here to provide fast, compassionate, same-day emergency care when you need it most.

Robert M. Davis, DDS, JD