dental disorders
Toothache and Infection
Key Points
Most toothache involves dental caries or its complications (eg, pulpitis, abscess). Symptomatic treatment and dental referral are usually adequate. Antibiotics are given if signs of an abscess, necrotic pulp, or more severe conditions are present and if same-day dental care is not available. Very rare but serious complications include extension of dental infection to the floor of the mouth or to the cavernous sinus. Dental infections rarely cause sinusitis, but sinus infection may cause pain perceived as originating in the teeth. 