A tooth abscess may start with a toothache or a small area of swelling, but it isn’t something you should ignore. An abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection in or around a tooth, and without proper treatment, the infection can spread.
So, can you die from a tooth abscess? Yes, it is possible, but life-threatening complications are uncommon when appropriate treatment is obtained. In severe cases, an untreated dental infection can spread into the jaw, face, or neck and may lead to serious complications such as sepsis.
The good news is that tooth abscesses are treatable. Knowing what symptoms to watch for and when you need urgent dental care or emergency medical attention can help you get treatment before the infection becomes more serious.
Key Takeaways
- A tooth abscess is a bacterial infection that causes a pocket of pus to form in or around a tooth.
- Common symptoms include severe or throbbing tooth pain, swelling, sensitivity to hot or cold, a bad taste in the mouth, and sometimes fever.
- A dental abscess generally will not resolve without treatment, even if the pain suddenly improves.
- Treatment may involve draining the abscess, root canal treatment, or removing a tooth that cannot be saved.
- Antibiotics are not necessary for every dental abscess and do not replace treatment of the source of the infection.
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing associated with facial or neck swelling requires emergency medical attention.
- Getting dental treatment promptly can reduce the risk of serious complications.
1. What Is a Tooth Abscess?
A tooth abscess is a collection of pus caused by a bacterial infection. It can develop when bacteria get inside a tooth or infect the tissues surrounding it.
This commonly happens because of untreated tooth decay, gum disease, or damage to a tooth. For example, a deep cavity or crack can allow bacteria to reach the pulp, the soft inner part of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels.
Two common types of dental abscesses are:
Periapical abscess: This develops at or near the tip of a tooth’s root, often after bacteria infect the tooth’s pulp.
Periodontal abscess: This develops in the gums and supporting tissues around a tooth and is often associated with periodontal (gum) disease.
Without treatment, the infection may spread beyond the affected tooth into the surrounding tissues.
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2. What Are the Symptoms of a Tooth Abscess?
A severe, persistent toothache is one of the most recognizable symptoms of a dental abscess. The pain may be throbbing and can sometimes spread toward your jaw, ear, or neck.
Other possible symptoms include:
- Swelling of the gums, face, or jaw
- Red or swollen gums
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
- Pain when biting or chewing
- A bad taste or unpleasant smell in the mouth
- Pus or fluid draining near the affected tooth
- Fever
- Swollen or tender lymph nodes under the jaw or in the neck
- Difficulty opening your mouth
Not everyone experiences the same symptoms. You may also have an abscess without severe pain, particularly if the infection has found a way to drain.
If you think you have a dental abscess, don’t wait for the pain to become unbearable before contacting a dentist.
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3. When Is a Tooth Abscess an Emergency?
Most tooth abscesses require prompt dental treatment, but certain symptoms can indicate that the infection has spread and requires emergency medical attention.
Go to the nearest hospital emergency department if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, significant or rapidly increasing swelling of your face or neck, or other signs of a severe spreading infection.
These symptoms can occur when swelling and infection begin affecting deeper tissues or your airway.
Fever together with facial swelling also requires prompt attention, particularly if you cannot reach a dentist.
The important distinction is this: a suspected tooth abscess generally needs prompt dental evaluation, while difficulty breathing or swallowing, severe or rapidly worsening swelling, or other signs of a serious spreading infection may require emergency hospital care.
In the Philippines, you may also call 911, the national emergency hotline, if you need emergency assistance.
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4. Can You Die From a Tooth Abscess?
Although it is uncommon when appropriate dental and medical care is obtained, an untreated tooth abscess can become life-threatening.
The infection doesn’t always remain confined to the affected tooth. It can spread into the jaw and surrounding soft tissues and, in severe cases, deeper into the face or neck.
A serious infection may also lead to sepsis, a potentially life-threatening response to infection that can result in organ dysfunction.
Rare complications involving other areas of the body can also occur.
This doesn’t mean that everyone with a tooth abscess is in immediate danger. The important point is that you shouldn’t simply wait for an abscess to disappear. Getting appropriate treatment helps prevent a localized dental infection from becoming a much more serious problem.
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5. Can a Tooth Abscess Go Away on Its Own?
This is an important misconception to clear up: don’t assume an abscess has healed just because your tooth stops hurting.
Sometimes an abscess ruptures and drains. When this happens, pressure inside the infected area decreases, so the pain may suddenly improve. In other cases, the nerve inside a severely damaged tooth may die, which can also reduce pain.
Neither situation necessarily means that the underlying problem has been resolved.
You may still need treatment to eliminate the source of the infection and prevent it from returning or spreading.
So, if you’ve had symptoms of a dental abscess, even if you’re suddenly feeling better, have the tooth examined by a dentist.
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6. What Causes a Tooth Abscess?
A dental abscess develops when bacteria gain access to tissues where they can cause an infection.
Common causes include:
- Untreated tooth decay
- Deep cavities
- Cracked, chipped, or damaged teeth
- Gum disease
- Previous dental trauma
- Infection involving the tissues surrounding a tooth
Poor oral hygiene and frequent consumption of sugary foods and drinks can increase your risk of tooth decay, which can eventually lead to infection.
Dry mouth can also increase the risk of tooth decay because saliva helps wash away food particles and protect your teeth.
People with weakened immune systems may also be at greater risk of complications if a dental infection develops.
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7. How Is a Tooth Abscess Diagnosed?
If your dentist suspects an abscess, they’ll usually begin by examining your teeth, gums, and surrounding tissues.
They may gently tap or apply pressure to the affected tooth to determine whether it is unusually sensitive. A dental X-ray may help identify the source of the infection and determine whether the surrounding bone has been affected.
If there are signs that the infection has spread into deeper areas of the face or neck, additional imaging, such as a CT scan, may sometimes be necessary. This may require referral to an appropriate medical facility.
The goal is to identify where the infection started and how far it may have spread so the underlying problem can be treated appropriately.
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8. How Is a Tooth Abscess Treated?
Treatment depends on where the abscess is located, what caused it, how extensively the tooth has been damaged, and whether the infection has spread.
The main goal is to eliminate the source of the infection, not simply make the pain disappear.
Depending on your situation, treatment may include:
Draining the abscess: A dentist may make an opening to allow pus to drain and relieve pressure when drainage is appropriate.
Root canal treatment: If the infection originated inside the tooth and the tooth can be saved, root canal treatment may be used to remove infected or damaged tissue, clean and disinfect the root canal system, and seal the tooth.
Tooth extraction: If the affected tooth cannot reasonably be saved, removing it may be necessary to eliminate the source of infection.
Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be prescribed when clinically appropriate, such as when an infection is spreading or causing systemic symptoms such as fever or malaise, or when certain health conditions increase the risk of complications.
Importantly, antibiotics are not required for every dental abscess and should not be considered a substitute for appropriate dental treatment. When possible, the source of the infection still needs to be addressed.
Never self-medicate with leftover antibiotics or take antibiotics prescribed for another person. If antibiotics are needed, your dentist or doctor should determine the appropriate medication, dose, and duration based on your condition.
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9. What Happens If You Leave a Tooth Abscess Untreated?
An untreated abscess may continue damaging the tissues around the affected tooth.
Possible complications include:
- Spread of infection into the jaw
- Infection of surrounding facial or neck tissues
- Damage to the bone and tissues supporting the tooth
- Tooth loss
- Spread of infection into deeper tissues
- Sepsis in severe cases
How quickly an infection progresses varies from person to person, which is one reason you shouldn’t rely on pain severity alone to decide whether treatment is necessary.
A dental infection that seems manageable today can potentially become more serious if left untreated.
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10. How Can You Prevent a Tooth Abscess?
You can’t prevent every dental infection, particularly when an injury is involved, but good oral care can reduce many of the common causes.
Start with the basics:
- Brush your teeth for about two minutes at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean between your teeth regularly with dental floss or another appropriate interdental cleaner.
- Visit your dentist regularly for dental examinations and professional cleaning as recommended.
- Have cavities, broken teeth, and gum problems evaluated and treated early.
- Limit frequent consumption of sugary foods and drinks.
- Don’t ignore persistent tooth pain or sensitivity.
- Protect your teeth from injury during sports and other activities where dental trauma is possible.
Most importantly, don’t wait until a dental problem becomes extremely painful before having it checked. Treating tooth decay or damage early is usually easier than treating an established infection.
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Conclusion
A tooth abscess deserves prompt attention, but there’s no need to panic. With appropriate dental care, these infections can usually be treated before they cause serious complications.
The most important thing is not to ignore the warning signs. Persistent tooth pain, swelling, pus or drainage, fever, or other symptoms of an abscess should prompt a dental evaluation.
And if facial or neck swelling is making it difficult to breathe or swallow, go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911 for emergency assistance.
Taking care of dental problems early doesn’t just help protect your teeth. It’s also an important part of protecting your overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a tooth abscess go untreated?
There isn’t a predictable “safe” amount of time to leave a suspected tooth abscess untreated. Dental infections can progress differently from one person to another, and it is difficult to predict whether or when an infection will spread. If you suspect an abscess, arrange a dental evaluation promptly.
Can a tooth abscess kill you?
In rare cases, yes. An untreated dental infection can spread beyond the tooth and cause serious complications, including sepsis. Getting appropriate dental treatment reduces the risk of these complications.
Will antibiotics cure a tooth abscess?
Not necessarily. Antibiotics may be appropriate when an infection is spreading or causing systemic symptoms, but they don’t always eliminate the source of the infection. Dental treatment such as drainage, root canal treatment, or extraction may still be necessary.
Do not take antibiotics without appropriate professional advice or use leftover antibiotics from a previous illness.
Can an abscessed tooth stop hurting?
Yes. Pain can decrease if an abscess ruptures and drains. Pain may also decrease if the nerve inside a severely damaged tooth dies. However, reduced pain doesn’t necessarily mean that the underlying problem has gone away. You should still have the tooth evaluated.
Can I pop or drain a tooth abscess myself?
No. You shouldn’t try to pop, squeeze, puncture, cut, or drain a dental abscess yourself. Doing so doesn’t treat the source of the infection and could damage surrounding tissues. A dentist can determine the appropriate treatment and whether drainage is necessary.
How do I know if a tooth infection is spreading?
Increasing facial or jaw swelling, fever, worsening difficulty opening your mouth, or feeling increasingly unwell can be warning signs.
Difficulty breathing or swallowing, or significant or rapidly increasing swelling of the face or neck requires emergency medical attention. Go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911 if emergency assistance is needed.
Do I need a root canal if I have a tooth abscess?
Not always. Treatment depends on the type and source of the abscess and whether the affected tooth can be saved. Some teeth can be treated with root canal therapy, while teeth that cannot be saved may need to be extracted. Periodontal abscesses may require different treatment.
Your dentist will need to examine the tooth before recommending the appropriate treatment.
What should I do if an abscess bursts?
Even if the abscess drains and you feel immediate relief, contact a dentist. Drainage may reduce pressure and pain, but the source of the infection may still be present and require treatment.
Need Dental Care in Marikina?
If you’re experiencing tooth pain, swelling, or other symptoms of a possible dental abscess, you can contact Tan-Mencias Dental Clinic in Parang, Marikina City for a dental assessment.
Our team can examine the affected area, discuss the findings with you, and explain the treatment options that may be appropriate for your condition.
To get in touch, call 0917-145-1074, message us through our Facebook page, or use the contact form on our website.
If you are experiencing difficulty breathing or swallowing, significant or rapidly worsening facial or neck swelling, or other signs of a medical emergency, go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911 rather than waiting for a dental appointment.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is provided for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose a medical or dental condition and should not be used as a substitute for professional dental or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Symptoms and treatment needs vary from person to person. If you have tooth pain, swelling, fever, drainage, or other symptoms of a possible dental infection, consult a licensed dentist or other qualified healthcare professional for an appropriate evaluation.
If you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, severe or rapidly increasing facial or neck swelling, or believe you may be experiencing a medical emergency, go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911 for emergency assistance.