Sepsis following a bacterial infection from a dental condition or treatment is rare.
Signs of bacteremia could be slight fever, nausea and distal infection. Rarely, bacteremia may resolve on its own. It also may progress into septicemia, a more serious blood infection that is always accompanied by symptoms such as chills, high fever, rapid heartbeat, severe nausea, vomiting and confusion.
While it takes a long time for a tooth infection to become fatal, it's possible for a tooth infection to develop into sepsis if left untreated. Typically, this process takes a few months. And even though it may feel like your pain subsides when the abscess bursts, don't be fooled.
In rarer cases—usually when the abscess is left untreated—a tooth infection can spread. Dental infections often spread locally. However, if the abscessed tooth isn't treated, the infection can continue to spread to other areas of your body and potentially cause sepsis, a life-threatening medical condition.
Sepsis following a bacterial infection from a dental condition or treatment is rare. However, it can be a life-threatening condition if patients are not managed appropriately.
A persistently high fever, dizziness, lightheadedness, a rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, confusion, and digestive problems are potential signs of sepsis and should be treated as a medical emergency.
Most people recover from mild sepsis, but the mortality rate for septic shock is about 30% to 40%. Also, an episode of severe sepsis raises the risk for future infections.
The Danger of Untreated Infected Teeth and Gums
If they are not treated, they can last for several months or years. There are two types of dental abscess – one can form under the tooth (periapical) and the other in the supporting gum and bone (periodontal).
Anyone can get an infection, and almost any infection, including COVID-19, can lead to sepsis. Each year: About 1.7 million adults in America develop sepsis. At least 350,000 adults who develop sepsis die during their hospitalization or are discharged to hospice.
If the infection has spread or you have a generalized infection, you may develop other signs and symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, pain, etc. Sometimes however, you may have an infection and not know it, and not have any symptoms.
In many cases, you'll start feeling better about two to three days after you start taking antibiotics for a tooth infection. 8 However, you should take the full round of prescribed antibiotics. Usually, your dentist will prescribe an antibiotic for three to seven days for a tooth infection.
To begin with, a tooth abscess does not go or die down on its own, and professional intervention is crucial to treat a dental abscess. In case a person does not treat a dental abscess in its initial stage, then the infection may last anywhere between 5 months to 12 months or even more.
Most symptoms of post-sepsis syndrome should get better on their own. But it can take time. There are things you can do to help with some long-term effects.
Some medications can lead to a higher sepsis risk, Dr. Guy points out. Taking antibiotics too often or not finishing a course of antibiotics can make you more likely to get an infection that doesn't respond to antibiotics.
A dental abscess is a sac of pus that forms inside your teeth or gums. If left untreated, a dental abscess can push your tooth upwards until it's loose enough to fall out. Thankfully, your dentist will be able to perform a root canal before you run the risk of losing teeth.
There are cases when an abscessed tooth does not produce any symptoms at all. Since the tooth has lost its capability to feel stimuli or has lost its vitality, there may be no discomfort or pain linked to it. But, the abscess is still present and may still disperse the infection.
When you are suffering from a tooth infection, you may want an easy solution, such as a course of antibiotics. However, antibiotics won't cure your tooth infection. Oral bacterial infections cause abscesses, which are small pockets of pus and dead tissue in the mouth.
Many people who survive sepsis recover completely and their lives return to normal. However, as with some other illnesses requiring intensive medical care, some patients have long-term effects.
The condition can arise suddenly and progress quickly, and it's often hard to recognize. Sepsis was once commonly known as “blood poisoning.” It was almost always deadly. Today, even with early treatment, sepsis kills about 1 in 5 affected people.
Sepsis Prevention
Signs of compromised organ function: difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, low urine output. Rash. Excessive thirst.
At least 1.7 million adults in America develop sepsis. At least 350,000 adults who develop sepsis die during their hospitalization or are discharged to hospice. 1 in 3 people who dies in a hospital had sepsis during that hospitalization.
Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency. To avoid sepsis, make sure to get treatment for any infections immediately. If you delay treatment, a simple infection could lead to a deadly condition. If you have an infection that isn't getting better or seems to be getting worse, seek medical care right away.