Can a Tooth Infection Spread to Jaw?
An infection in your tooth is caused by bacteria invading the inner layers of your tooth and an infection in your tooth can easily spread to your jaw bone if the infection goes untreated. An infection in your tooth will not clear on its own nor will it go away without treatment. Infections get worse without intervention and the treatment can be more complicated with larger expenses attached. In short, if you think you have a tooth infection, call the dentist for an appointment to address it sooner rather than later.
An infection in your tooth starts with bacteria in your mouth not being removed regularly with brushing and flossing. The bacteria erodes the hard enamel outer layer of the tooth and exposes the inner layers of the tooth, the dentin and the pulp. Bacteria can also affect those inner layers if the enamel cracks or chips off from grinding your teeth or an accident. Once the bacteria is in the dentin and pulp, you will not be able to remove it on your own. The pulp is sensitive and has blood vessels and nervous tissue so the infection in that area will be painful. As the bacteria grows, your body will try to use white blood cells to defend itself and the dead bacteria and white blood cells will form pus. Without anywhere for the pus buildup to go, the pressure inside your tooth increases and will cause more pain. Other signs to look for are red or swollen gums near the affected tooth and bad bread as a result of the infection.
As the infection in your tooth gets worse and moves deeper into your mouth, it can lead to an abscess or a pocket of pus in the gums. There are different locations where the pocket can develop; at the tip of the root its a periapical abscess and in the gums at the side of the tooth root is a periodontal abscess. A periapical abscess is usually the result of an untreated cavity or a tooth that has damaged enamel where the bacteria was able to get inside the tooth.
In order to treat the tooth infection and to prevent it from spreading, the dentist will drain the abscess and then help treat the infection with antibiotics. The dentist may have additional suggestions for you to do at home and may have a referral for an oral surgeon if there needs to be more treatment on the affected tooth and gums. Your treatment plan may require you to have the tooth removed and eventually replaced with an implant, dental crown, or partial denture. If the infection from the gums or the root of the tooth is not treated, the infection can spread to your jaw bone and other surrounding teeth. The treatment may include bone grafting to replace damaged bone tissue or gum grafting to replace damaged gum tissue.
The dentist will be able to relieve the pain from your infection, stop it from spreading, and help you start feeling better again.