Can tooth decay lead to tooth loss?

If left untreated, tooth decay can progress and lead to tooth loss. As the decay spreads deeper into the tooth, it can reach the pulp, causing infection and inflammation. This can result in an abscess, a painful pocket of pus that forms at the tooth’s root. If the infection is not treated, it can damage the surrounding bone and tissues, leading to tooth loss. In severe cases, the disease can spread to other parts of the body, posing a severe health risk.