What is a Jaw Infection and what does it feel like?
Patients with a jaw condition usually work with a team which may include general dentists, specialized dental practitioners, and physicians. The team will work together to ensure the issue is properly treated. The team will work in a multidisciplinary manner, allowing them to collaborate and create an effective treatment plan. This approach ensures the right specialists can be involved, and ensures the best possible outcome for the patient.
In most cases, jaw trauma occurs as the result of an accident or injury. A sports injury is often the culprit for a jaw injury. If reconstruction of the jaw is needed, the team will include various types of doctors. A reconstruction team can include dentists, otolaryngologists or ear, nose and throat specialists, oral surgeons, and facial plastic surgeons. Additional specialists can participate as needed. Patients with a jaw deformity will be treated through a combination of surgical and orthodontic treatments. The mouth is critical in our overall health and plays a vital role in our appearance. Mouth or jaw deformities can make patients feel self-conscious and insecure. A reconstruction team will work diligently to restore the jaws function and appearance.
Untreated dental cavities can cause a dental abscess and jaw bone infection. Infection occurs due to the formation of bacteria. When infection is not treated, it can move into the jawbone over time. This can cause serious and permanent health issues and consequences. Symptoms associated with a dental abscess and jaw bone infection include pain of the mouth and jaw, pus around the infected area, redness, swelling, and tenderness.
The dentist will often use imaging and blood work to thoroughly evaluate the severity of a jawbone infection. Dentists will also write a prescription for antibiotics to treat the infection. In severe cases of infection, surgery may be required.
Patient with a fever or swelling in the face who cannot reach their dentist, should go to the emergency room right away. If a patient is having difficulty breathing or swallowing, they should also go directly to the emergency room. These symptoms can occur when infection spreads to other areas of the body. Infection can spread to surrounding tissue, deeper into the jaw, and to other areas of the body.
If a patient has a dental abscess, they should contact their dentist immediately. Dentists will drain the infection and typically write a prescription for antibiotics. In cases of a severe abscess, surgery may be required to prevent the spread of infection into the bones. In some cases, the infected tooth may require extraction. The dentist will evaluate the tooth and determine the best treatment plan.
Osteonecrosis and osteoradionecrosis of the jaw can occur when bones lose their blood supply. This can also occur when the bones are damaged from radiation used with cancer treatment. When there is a loss of blood supply, it prevents the bones from healing properly. Patients should have a dental examination prior to undergoing radiation treatment to identify if they are at risk for this condition or any other dental problems. The dentist can then closely monitor them during treatment and intervene as needed.
A tooth abscess will not go away on its own without treatment and intervention. While a ruptured abscesses may help alleviate the pain, treatment is still necessary. Abscesses which remain untreated can result in the spread of infection to the neck, head, jaw, and other areas. It is rare but possible for patients to develop sepsis, a life-threatening condition which impacts the organs.