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Complications
By Mayo Clinic staffA tooth abscess won't go away without treatment. If the abscess ruptures, the pain may decrease significantly — but dental treatment is still needed. If the abscess doesn't drain, the infection may spread to your jaw and to other areas of your head and neck. It may even lead to sepsis — a widespread, life-threatening infection.
If you have a weakened immune system and you leave a tooth abscess untreated, you're even more at risk of a spreading infection than is someone with a healthy immune system.
- Robertson D, et al. The microbiology of the acute dental abscess. Journal of Medical Microbiology. 2009;58:155.
- Chow AW. Epidemiology, pathogenesis, and clinical manifestations of odontogenic infections. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 21, 2010.
- Chow AW. Complications, diagnosis, and treatment of odontogenic infections. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 21, 2010.
- Cleaning your teeth and gums. American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/3072.aspx?currentTab=1. Accessed May 21, 2010.
- Nguyen DH, et al. Common dental infections in the primary care setting. American Family Physician. 2008;77:797.
- Endodontic treatment (root canal treatment). American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/2890.aspx?currentTab=1#. Accessed May 23, 2010.
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