Can a Dental Abscess Go Away on Its Own? What Happens If You Leave It Untreated

A dental abscess will not go away on its own, even if the pain improves or the swelling suddenly reduces. An abscess is a collection of pus caused by a bacterial infection, usually around a tooth or in the gums. Without appropriate dental treatment, the underlying infection can remain and may spread to surrounding tissues.

If you suspect you have a dental abscess, arrange an urgent dental appointment rather than waiting for it to disappear.

Understanding why an abscess develops, what happens when it bursts and how dentists treat the infection can help you recognise when you need care.

Why won't a dental abscess heal on its own?

A dental abscess develops when bacteria enter tissues around a tooth or beneath the gums, causing an infection and a build-up of pus.

Unlike a minor mouth ulcer, which may heal naturally, a dental abscess usually has an underlying source of infection that needs professional treatment.

For example, bacteria may have entered the centre of a tooth through deep decay or a crack. Alternatively, infection may have developed in the tissues supporting the tooth because of gum disease.

Your immune system responds to the bacteria, but it may not be able to eliminate the source of the infection.

Even if some pus drains away and the pressure reduces, bacteria can remain within the tooth or surrounding tissues.

This explains why an abscess may appear to improve temporarily before becoming painful again.

The important distinction is that relief from symptoms does not necessarily mean the infection has been treated.

What happens if you leave a dental abscess untreated?

An untreated dental abscess can develop in different ways. Some infections remain relatively localised for a period, while others worsen or spread into surrounding tissues.

It is impossible to predict how quickly an individual infection will progress without a clinical assessment.

1. Pain and swelling may become worse

As pus accumulates, pressure can build within the affected area.

This may cause:

• Persistent or throbbing toothache
• Tenderness when biting or chewing
• Swelling around the tooth or gum
• Pain spreading towards the jaw or ear
• Sensitivity to hot or cold foods
• Difficulty eating comfortably

Some people notice that pain becomes particularly troublesome when lying down or trying to sleep.

However, not every abscess causes severe pain. The absence of significant toothache does not rule out an infection.

2. The abscess may burst and release pus

Sometimes, pressure builds until pus finds a way to drain through the gum.

You might notice a sudden unpleasant taste, fluid coming from a small swelling on the gum, or a reduction in pain.

Although this can feel like an improvement, the original source of infection may still be present.

An abscess that has drained can return if the underlying dental problem is not addressed.

3. The infection may spread

A dental infection can extend beyond the original tooth or gum.

This may cause increasing swelling in the face, jaw or neck, sometimes accompanied by fever or feeling generally unwell.

In more serious cases, infection can spread into deeper tissues and interfere with swallowing or breathing.

These complications are not inevitable, but they are an important reason not to ignore a suspected abscess.

4. The affected tooth may become harder to save

When an abscess is caused by infection inside a tooth, treatment may involve root canal therapy or extraction.

The condition of the tooth, its supporting structures and the extent of infection influence which options are suitable.

Delaying assessment may allow further damage or make treatment more complicated.

However, having an abscess does not automatically mean the tooth must be removed.

Can a dental abscess burst on its own?

Yes. A dental abscess can sometimes burst or drain naturally through the gum.

This may happen when pus creates a drainage pathway from the infected area into the mouth.

Patients sometimes describe noticing a small pimple-like swelling on the gum that releases fluid.

You may experience:

• A salty or unpleasant taste
• Fluid or pus draining into the mouth
• A sudden reduction in pressure
• Less throbbing pain
• A gum swelling that becomes smaller

The improvement can be misleading.

A burst dental abscess is not necessarily a healed dental abscess.

The infection may continue beneath the surface, even when the visible swelling disappears.

If you suspect an abscess has burst, contact a dentist for urgent assessment.

Do not squeeze, pierce or attempt to drain a dental abscess yourself. Doing so can damage the surrounding tissues and does not remove the underlying source of infection.

Why has my tooth abscess stopped hurting?

A reduction in pain can happen for several reasons.

If an abscess begins draining, the pressure within the infected area may decrease. This can make the tooth or gum feel considerably more comfortable.

In other cases, the nerve tissue inside a badly damaged tooth may have died, changing the way pain is experienced.

Neither situation confirms that the infection has resolved.

This is particularly important if you previously experienced severe toothache followed by an unexpected period of relief.

You might assume the tooth has recovered, but an infection can still be present around its root.

A dentist may need to examine the tooth and take an X-ray to identify the source of the problem.

If you have a history of toothache and now notice gum swelling, a bad taste or tenderness when biting, arrange an assessment even if the original pain has disappeared.

How do you know if a dental abscess is getting worse?

Some symptoms suggest that an infection may be progressing and needs urgent attention.

These include increasing swelling, worsening pain, fever, difficulty opening the mouth or feeling generally unwell.

It is helpful to distinguish between symptoms requiring urgent dental care and those needing immediate medical attention.

When to arrange an urgent dental appointment

Seek urgent dental advice if you have:

• A painful or swollen gum
• Persistent toothache with a bad taste
• A lump near a tooth that may contain pus
• Facial or jaw swelling
• Pain when biting alongside other signs of infection
• A suspected abscess that has burst
• Fever or feeling unwell alongside dental symptoms

Do not wait for severe pain before asking for help.

If you cannot access a dentist, NHS 111 can advise you about urgent dental services.

When a dental infection becomes a medical emergency

Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if you have difficulty breathing, speaking or swallowing, significant swelling inside the mouth, serious difficulty opening your mouth, swelling or pain around an eye, or sudden changes to your vision.

These symptoms may indicate that an infection is affecting important surrounding structures.

Do not wait for a dental appointment if you are experiencing these warning signs.

Can antibiotics get rid of a dental abscess?

Antibiotics are sometimes needed for dental infections, but they are not automatically the main treatment for an abscess.

The most important step is usually to address the source of infection.

Depending on the situation, a dentist may need to drain the abscess, treat the infected tooth or remove a tooth that cannot be saved.

Antibiotics may be prescribed when there are signs of spreading infection or systemic illness, such as fever.

They may also be considered in particular clinical circumstances following professional assessment.

However, taking antibiotics without treating the source of infection may not provide a lasting solution.

Why aren't antibiotics always prescribed?

Dental abscesses often require a procedure to remove the source of infection or allow pus to drain.

Antibiotics alone cannot reliably clean infected tissue from inside a tooth or correct the underlying dental problem.

Unnecessary antibiotic use can also contribute to antibiotic resistance and expose patients to avoidable side effects.

This is why dentists assess the severity and location of the infection before deciding whether medication is appropriate.

Never take leftover antibiotics or medication prescribed for somebody else.

If antibiotics have been prescribed, follow your clinician's instructions and seek further advice if your symptoms worsen or fail to improve.

How does a dentist treat a dental abscess?

Treatment depends on where the infection started, how far it has progressed and whether the affected tooth can be preserved.

A dentist will normally begin by discussing your symptoms and examining the affected area.

Dental X-rays may be recommended to investigate the tooth roots and surrounding bone.

The aim is to relieve the infection and address its underlying cause.

Draining the abscess

If there is a collection of pus that can be accessed, the dentist may drain it.

This helps reduce pressure and remove infected material.

The procedure is performed using appropriate dental techniques and anaesthesia where needed.

Drainage can provide relief, but further treatment may still be necessary to prevent the infection returning.

Root canal treatment

If the infection originates inside a tooth and the tooth is suitable for saving, root canal treatment may be recommended.

This involves accessing the internal root canal system, removing infected tissue, cleaning the canals and sealing them.

The tooth may subsequently need a permanent restoration, such as a filling or crown.

Whether root canal treatment is appropriate depends on the condition of the tooth and its long-term outlook.

Tooth extraction

Sometimes a tooth is too badly damaged or infected to be predictably restored.

In these circumstances, extraction may be recommended.

Removing the affected tooth can eliminate the source of infection, although additional treatment may be required depending on the extent of the abscess.

Your dentist should explain the available options, including relevant benefits, risks and alternatives, before treatment.

Treatment for a gum abscess

If the infection develops in the tissues supporting the tooth, treatment may involve drainage and professional cleaning of the affected area.

Further periodontal treatment may be needed to manage underlying gum disease.

A gum abscess and an abscess originating from inside a tooth can appear similar, so examination is important.

What can you do while waiting for a dental appointment?

If you suspect a dental abscess, temporary self-care may make you more comfortable while you arrange urgent treatment.

However, home measures cannot reliably remove the underlying infection.

Safe ways to manage discomfort

You may find it helpful to:

• Take paracetamol or ibuprofen if suitable for you, following the packaging instructions or advice from a pharmacist.
• Choose soft foods that are easier to chew.
• Avoid very hot or cold foods if they increase discomfort.
• Brush gently using a soft toothbrush.
• Avoid chewing directly on the painful area.

If you have medical conditions, take other medicines or are unsure which painkillers are suitable, ask a pharmacist or healthcare professional.

What should you avoid?

Do not attempt to pop an abscess using a needle or another sharp object.

Avoid pressing repeatedly on the swollen area to force pus out.

Do not place aspirin directly against the gum or tooth, as this can irritate or damage the tissues.

Do not exceed recommended painkiller doses in an attempt to control severe pain.

Most importantly, do not rely on temporary improvement as evidence that treatment is no longer necessary.

If swelling increases or you develop symptoms suggesting a spreading infection, seek further help promptly.

How quickly should you see a dentist for an abscess?

A suspected dental abscess requires urgent dental assessment.

You should contact a dentist as soon as possible rather than waiting several days to see whether the symptoms settle.

This applies even if the swelling is small or the pain is manageable.

The appropriate treatment and timing depend on your symptoms and the dentist's clinical assessment.

Someone with localised discomfort may need a different level of care from a person experiencing rapidly increasing facial swelling or fever.

If you have difficulty breathing, swallowing or speaking, or other serious warning signs described above, seek emergency medical help immediately.

Can you prevent a dental abscess from coming back?

Not every dental infection can be prevented, but maintaining good oral health can reduce several common risk factors.

Tooth decay and gum disease are important causes of dental abscesses.

Protecting your teeth and gums helps reduce the likelihood of these problems developing.

Useful habits include:

• Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
• Cleaning between your teeth every day.
• Attending dental examinations at intervals recommended for you.
• Seeking assessment for persistent toothache or damaged teeth.
• Limiting frequent sugary snacks and drinks.
• Avoiding smoking.

If you have previously needed treatment for an abscess, follow the aftercare instructions provided by your dentist.

Any recommended restoration or follow-up treatment should be completed to reduce the risk of further problems.

Frequently asked questions about dental abscesses

Can a dental abscess disappear without antibiotics?

An abscess may drain and become less painful without antibiotics, but that does not mean the underlying infection has resolved. Dental treatment is usually needed to address the source. Antibiotics are prescribed only when clinically indicated.

How long can you leave a dental abscess untreated?

There is no reliable safe waiting period. Some infections progress more quickly than others, and symptoms do not always reflect their severity. A suspected abscess should be assessed urgently rather than monitored at home.

Is a dental abscess dangerous if it doesn't hurt?

It can be. Some abscesses cause relatively little pain, particularly if they are draining. Infection may still be present, so a painless swelling or recurring gum lump should not be ignored.

Can a dental abscess come back after bursting?

Yes. If the original source of infection remains, pus may accumulate again. The swelling can repeatedly appear and disappear until appropriate dental treatment addresses the cause.

Will a dentist remove an infected tooth immediately?

Not necessarily. Some infected teeth can be treated with root canal therapy, while others may require extraction. The decision depends on the tooth's condition, the infection and the available treatment options.

Can a dental abscess spread to other parts of the body?

A dental infection can spread beyond the affected tooth into nearby facial or neck tissues. Severe infections can occasionally cause serious complications. Increasing swelling, fever and difficulty swallowing or breathing require prompt attention.

Should I go to A&E for a tooth abscess?

Most dental abscesses require urgent assessment by a dentist rather than routine attendance at A&E. However, serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swallowing or speaking, significant mouth swelling or eye involvement require immediate emergency medical care.

Don't wait for a dental abscess to become more painful

A dental abscess can be deceptive. The swelling may reduce, the pain may disappear or the abscess may drain naturally, but none of these changes guarantees that the infection has gone.

Getting the problem assessed early gives your dentist an opportunity to identify the source, explain the treatment options and help prevent further complications.

If you suspect a dental abscess, contact Night & Day Emergency Dentist to enquire about an urgent dental assessment.

You can also visit the website to find information about the clinics and available contact options.