Dental pain should always be assessed by a dental professional
It is common to try to "tough it out" when it comes to dental pain, but it can lead to greater problems in the future. Dental pain can indicate an active infection in a tooth or the gums, and even minor pain could be the first signs that a problem is building.
While rare, uncontrolled infections can lead to serious health complications, as teeth sit adjacent to vital structures such as the brain, throat and airway. Serious complications include but are not limited to:
- Ludwig's Angina - a swelling at the rear of the mouth often caused by an infected molar or wisdom tooth, which obstructs the airway and in serious instances can result in death due to a lack of air.
- Sepsis - infiltration of bacteria into the bloodstream, which can circulate around the body and lead to septic shock or death.
- Inhalation Pneumonia - the inhalation of bacteria of infected tissue (often from teeth or gums) into the lungs, which can result in infection of the lungs.
If you suspect your life may be in danger, call 000 immediately or go to the nearest emergency department without delay.
It is advisable to check out all dental pain, regardless of how minor, as it could prevent greater consequences if left untreated. Our team at Dental In Focus Pimpama will assess your presenting complaint seriously, and will endeavour to diagnose and treat your dental issue.