Can You Be Hospitalized for Tooth Pain?
Most of us think of tooth pain as annoying—not dangerous. But under the surface, an untreated infection can spread quickly and even lead to hospitalization.
So how do you know when it’s serious? We’ll walk you through the symptoms, risks, and how to stay ahead of it.
When a Tooth Infection Becomes Dangerous
1. Swelling in your face or neck
Facial swelling is a sign that the infection is spreading beyond the tooth. This requires immediate dental care.
2. Trouble breathing or swallowing
If the infection reaches deep tissue or compresses your airway, hospitalization may be needed to manage the swelling and infection safely.
3. Fever, fatigue, or rapid heartbeat
According to the Cleveland Clinic, these symptoms may indicate the infection has entered the bloodstream—a condition known as sepsis.
“Dental infections can become life-threatening if not addressed early,” warns Dr. Donald Chi, professor of oral health sciences at the University of Washington.
4. Delay in treatment
A 2013 study in the Journal of Endodontics found that more than 60,000 Americans are hospitalized each year due to dental infections. Many of these cases could have been prevented with early dental care.
At Alpine Dental in New Jersey, we take tooth infections seriously. We offer emergency dental care, root canals, and broken tooth repair to stop infection at the source.
Need to restore your smile? Ask us about veneers and dental implants too.
Call now or book online—your health (and your smile) shouldn’t have to wait.
FAQs
1. How fast can a tooth infection spread?
It can spread within days if left untreated, especially in those with weakened immune systems.
2. Will antibiotics alone fix a tooth infection?
Antibiotics can help, but they don’t eliminate the source. A dental procedure is often needed.
3. Can I go to the ER for tooth pain?
Yes, especially if you have fever, swelling, or difficulty breathing—but follow up with a dentist ASAP.
