Dental infections can be serious, even life-threatening. While many people may be tempted to take pain relievers or antibiotics to alleviate the symptoms, doing so can lead to dire consequences.
Can a Tooth Infection Become Fatal?
Tooth infections are serious and can lead to hospitalization, even death. A study published in the Journal of Endodontics revealed that between 2000 and 2008, there were 61,439 hospitalizations and 66 deaths in the United States attributed to dental infections. This equates to roughly five to ten deaths per year.
A True Story of a Fatal Tooth Infection
A tragic example of the dangers of untreated dental infections is the experience of long-haul truck driver Vadim Kondratyuk Anatoliyevich, a husband and father of two daughters. Vadim had a toothache when he left California for New York. The toothache worsened, so he stopped to see an Oklahoma dentist. Despite seeking attention and receiving antibiotics, Vadim’s infection progressed so much that his brother took a plane from to New York to drive him home. The infection progressed rapidly, eventually spreading to his blood and lungs. Unfortunately, despite a stop in Utah for treatment and a transfer to Salt Lake City, where he received aggressive treatment, Vadim died from the infection.
Why See a Dentist for a Tooth Infection?
Taking antibiotics is insufficient for a tooth infection because the medication cannot penetrate the dead tissue within the tooth. A dentist must treat the infection with root canal therapy to prevent tooth loss and the need for a dental implant.
It’s essential to seek professional dental care promptly if you experience signs of a dental infection, such as tooth pain, swelling, or sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. Prompt care can significantly reduce the risk of serious complications and potential long-term health issues.
David Finley, DDS, a Monroe, Louisiana, accredited cosmetic dentist and Academy of General Dentistry Fellow, sponsors this post. Read about what Dr. Finley and his team do to provide some of the best dental care in Monroe.
I have a swollen pocket in my gums that hurts really bad. It has been there for about 4 or 5 weeks. It is worse at night and keeps me awake sometimes. I got a job this past Tuesday, but the dental insurance isn’t active until next month. Will an antibiotic keep any infection controlled until I can see a dentist? I want to limit my out-of-pocket expenses until this job works out for my family and me. Anne from Salem, OR
I have a tooth that was rotten and smelly. I thought it was completely dead, but it broke last Saturday while I was eating, and now it is starting to hurt. Since that time, the pain only increased. I am taking Advil for it, but other than that, is there anything that I need to do? Since the pandemic, I have not been to a dentist, but before that, I never had a dental appointment without needing laughing gas. I know that is an expense that I cannot handle right now. My daughter is sick, so I had to reduce my schedule to part-time work, so I cannot see a dentist. What kind of antibiotic can I ask my doctor for until I can afford a dentist? Thank you kindly. Olga from GA
