Dental abscess - Complications of a dental abscess

With the right treatment, a dental abscess is easily cured. However, in rare cases, complications can occur.

Most complications arise due to the spread of the bacterial infection when an abscess is left untreated.

Possible complications are outlined below.

Loss of the tooth

The affected tooth may need to be removed (extracted). This is more likely if a dental abscess returns, or if your tooth is severely broken down.

Sinusitis

Sinusitis is an infection of the small air-filled cavities inside your skull.

It is usually the cavities behind your cheekbones that can become infected as a complication of a dental abscess. These are known as the maxillary sinuses.

Symptoms of sinusitis include:

• a blocked or runny nose
• facial pain and tenderness
• a high temperature (fever) of 38°C (100.4°F) or above

Sinusitis often clears up without treatment but, if necessary, antibiotics can be prescribed.

Read more about sinusitis.

Osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone. It can be caused by the bacteria in a dental abscess spreading and causing inflammation.

Osteomyelitis can cause symptoms such as fever, nausea (feeling sick) and severe pain in the affected bone, which can often be in the area surrounding a dental abscess.

However, as the infection is spread through your blood, it can affect any bone in your body. Osteomyelitis can be treated by taking oral antibiotics or injecting them into a vein.

Read more about osteomyelitis.

Cavernous sinus thrombosis

Cavernous sinus thrombosis is a rare, but serious, condition where a blood vessel in the brain becomes infected and a clot develops.

Read more information about cavernous sinus thrombosis.

Ludwig's angina

Ludwig's angina is a potentially life-threatening infection of the tissues of the floor of the mouth, under the tongue.

Symptoms can include:

• swelling
• pain when moving the tongue
• neck swelling
• fever
• difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• difficulty breathing

In severe cases, you may have trouble breathing or experience an abnormal breathing sound, caused by a blocked airway.