Dental Abscess: Why You Shouldn't Wait to Get Treated

You should not wait to get a dental abscess treated because the infection can spread to your jaw, neck, brain, or bloodstream, leading to serious and potentially life-threatening complications like sepsis. The infection will not resolve on its own and can cause severe pain, bone loss, damage to surrounding teeth, and other systemic health issues. Early treatment with professional dental care can often save the tooth and prevent these severe outcomes.`

Dental abscess cases make up the majority of dental-related visits to emergency rooms or other medical settings, according to the National Library of Medicine. A dental abscess is a localized infection that occurs around the tooth. Most dentists consider it a dental emergency because it is caused by a bacterial infection that can spread to other parts of the body. 

The initial symptoms of a dental abscess may start as a mild, localized ache, prompting some patients, especially those with a high pain threshold, who may be facing psychological, financial, or logistical barriers, to delay care. However, symptoms often progress to a more severe, intense throbbing pain that is typically very difficult to ignore. 

Postponing treatment can be risky because the infection can spread, potentially leading to serious or even life-threatening conditions such as sepsis, brain infections, or airway obstructions.

What Is a Dental Abscess?

A dental abscess is a painful, pus-filled pocket caused by bacterial infection​ that can form on the surface or pockets of the gum or at the tip of a tooth's root. The three types of dental abscesses are:

• Gingival Abscess: forms on the surface of the gum tissue, often due to a foreign object, such as food becoming trapped in the gum
• Periodontal Abscess: starts deeper within the gums, often in the pockets that form between the teeth and gums, and is commonly a result of gum disease
• Periapical Abscess: forms at the tip of the tooth's root and occurs when bacteria enter the tooth's soft inner pulp and spread to the surrounding bone

Common Causes and Risk Factors

Dental conditions are the reason for approximately 1 million emergency department visits in the US annually. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), over 200,000 of these visits involve children, and almost 80% have tooth decay that has gone untreated and resulted in other dental infections. Decay can create an opening for bacteria to enter the tooth's pulp, leading to the formation of an abscess.



Other primary causes of dental abscesses include gum disease, which can spread to the root of the tooth, and tooth cracks or fractures from mouth injuries or trauma that create an entry point for bacteria. Dental infection risks increase for individuals with these conditions, as well as those with:

• Poor oral hygiene
• A diet high in sugar
• A weakened immune system
• Pre-existing dental conditions

Dry mouth or smoking can also increase the risk of developing a dental abscess. 

Warning Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of a dental abscess can appear suddenly. However, the infection builds up over time, and early signs might include mild tooth sensitivity or discomfort that worsens as pus forms and swelling becomes visible. This often leads to localized symptoms such as:

• Severe tooth pain
• Swelling and redness of the gums
• Sensitivity to temperature/pressure
• Pus drainage​

Warning signs that require emergency dental care include:

• High fever
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Neck or facial swelling
• Malaise​

The time between the onset of abscess symptoms and receiving care should never be prolonged, as the infection can spread to other parts of the body, leading to severe complications. 

Is It Okay to Leave a Tooth Abscess Untreated?

Without prompt dental treatment, a dental abscess will not heal on its own. The infection will progress, resulting in oral health complications, including continued tissue and bone destruction. There is also potential for the infection to spread to other parts of the body, including the jaw, head, and neck tissues, as well as the bloodstream. The longer you wait, the greater the possibility of tooth loss and the costlier the treatment. 

Treatment Options for Dental Abscess

An experienced dentist's immediate objectives when treating a dental abscess are usually pain relief and infection control. Antibiotics are often prescribed to treat the infection and help manage symptoms. Treatment usually involves:

• Abscess Drainage: A small incision is made in the abscess to drain the pus, which helps relieve pressure and treat the immediate infection.
• Root Canal Therapy: A root canal is performed to clean out the infected pulp inside the tooth, which is then filled and sealed, saving the tooth.
• Tooth Extraction: In severe cases, the tooth is too damaged to be repaired and is removed.

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If you think you have a dental abscess and can't see a dentist immediately, rinse your mouth with warm salt water, take over-the-counter pain relievers, and apply a cold compress to your cheek, but seek medical help as soon as possible. 

Why Prompt Treatment Makes a Difference

A patient with a dental abscess explained that after the initial toothache, the pain increased in intensity, eventually becoming excruciating, constant, and radiating across his face. By the time he was admitted to the hospital nine days later, the pain was at its worst, and his right jaw was swollen. He could have potentially avoided this extreme discomfort by seeking immediate dental care when the pain started.

Prompt treatment not only ensures faster pain relief but also reduces the risk of complications. It can prevent tooth loss while preserving oral health, and most importantly, it lowers the risk of life-threatening conditions. 

What to Expect During and After Dental Abscess Treatment

If you experience symptoms of a dental abscess, visit your dentist for a diagnosis and proper treatment to avoid complications. The visit will involve a physical examination of the teeth and gums, sensitivity tests, and imaging such as X-rays or CT scans. During the exam, your dentist will look for signs of infection, check for tenderness, and use the X-rays to see if the infection has spread. 

Your dentist will numb the area with a local anesthetic before draining the abscess and addressing the underlying infection with an extraction or root canal. You can expect immediate pain relief, but you may still experience mild soreness and swelling, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, antibiotics, and a soft diet. Full recovery typically takes one to two weeks, but a follow-up visit is crucial to ensure proper healing. 

Preventing Dental Abscesses in the Future

Tooth abscesses can be prevented with regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings. Practicing proper oral hygiene, which should include brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and using an antibacterial mouthwash, also helps. 



Eat a balanced, calcium-rich diet, and limit sugary and acidic foods that feed harmful bacteria. Stay hydrated with water and avoid hard or crunchy foods that can irritate the gums. Early intervention is best if you experience any dental issues. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Tooth Abscess Always Require Antibiotics?

A tooth abscess does not always require antibiotics, but they are often necessary to treat infections that have spread beyond the affected tooth. In this scenario, a dentist will likely prescribe antibiotics if you have a weakened immune system or exhibit signs of a systemic illness, such as fever or fatigue. However, the primary treatment for a localized abscess is often drainage and removal of the source of the infection, and antibiotics may not be needed for a small, contained infection. 

What Are the First Signs of Sepsis From a Tooth Abscess?

Early signs of sepsis from a tooth abscess may include severe, persistent tooth pain, swelling in the gums, face, or neck, as well as fever and chills. A patient may also have bad breath, pus drainage from the abscess site, and experience difficulty breathing or swallowing. Confusion or disorientation, rapid heart rate or pulse, and headache are also other symptoms associated with sepsis, along with nausea and vomiting, low blood pressure, and weakness or fatigue. 

How Do You Know if a Tooth Infection Spreads to Your Jaw?

If a tooth infection has spread to your jaw, it may cause symptoms such as severe pain, swelling in the jaw, face, or cheeks, and redness in the infected area. You may also notice you have bad breath, difficulty opening your mouth, fever, or a discharge from the affected tooth or gum. Other symptoms may include numbness or tingling of the lips, tongue, or jaw, weakness in the jaw muscles, and, in severe cases, difficulty swallowing, headache, nausea, vomiting, and confusion. 

Prompt Dental Treatment That Safeguards Your Oral and Overall Health

Oral pain can occur for several reasons, and depending on its intensity, you might be tempted to delay dental care. However, a dental abscess can quickly become a larger, more painful, and more expensive problem to fix. It can also lead to potentially life-threatening complications.



A prompt dental visit to Smile Creators for a suspected abscess can help safeguard your oral and overall health. We are here for you when a dental emergency occurs, ensuring not only that the problem is successfully treated but also that your experience is positive and comfortable. We prioritize patient safety and use state-of-the-art techniques and technology to provide optimal dental care. Book an appointment to keep your teeth healthy and maintain your beautiful smile.