What Happens If an Abscess Isn't Treated?
An untreated abscess is a dangerous condition because the infection may continue to spread to the surrounding tissue and bone, which can lead to more health complications. If the jaw and neck become infected, the individual may have difficulty breathing or swallowing. People who have weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of the infection spreading.
An untreated tooth abscess can also trigger sepsis. Sepsis is the medical term for our bodies' sometimes extreme response to infection. When your body experiences sepsis, the infection you have triggers a chain reaction to the rest of your body and can lead to serious conditions like tissue damage, organ failure, and have serious long-term effects. So if you’re wondering if a rotten tooth or cavities make you sick, the answer is yes.
If you think you’re experiencing an abscess, call your dental professional. Depending on your symptoms, you may need immediate care, and your dental professional may instruct you to go to the emergency room. Otherwise, your dental professional may have you schedule an appointment with them so that they can prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection and drain the abscess, which can decrease the swelling and speed up the healing process.