If a decayed tooth is not extracted, it can lead to various complications, impacting your overall oral health and potentially your general well-being.
Consequences of Untreated Tooth Decay:
- Infection: Decayed teeth are vulnerable to bacterial infections, which can spread to the surrounding tissues, causing pain, swelling, and pus formation.
- Abscess: A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus that forms at the root of the tooth. It can cause severe pain, swelling in the face, and even fever.
- Bone Loss: The infection can spread to the bone that supports the tooth, leading to bone loss, weakening the jawbone, and making the tooth more likely to fall out.
- Tooth Loss: If the decay is severe, the tooth may eventually become so weak that it breaks or falls out.
- Spread of Infection: In extreme cases, the infection can spread to other parts of the body, causing serious health issues like heart problems or brain abscesses.
Solutions:
- Extraction: If the decay is severe or the tooth is beyond repair, extraction may be the only option.
- Root Canal: A root canal procedure removes the infected pulp and fills the tooth with a filling, saving the tooth from extraction.
- Fillings and Crowns: Fillings and crowns can restore damaged teeth and prevent further decay.
It is crucial to seek professional dental care if you have a decayed tooth. Early intervention can prevent complications and save your tooth.
