If you think you have or your loved one has a dental abscess, don’t wait. The longer you wait, the greater the risk to your health.
If you’ve ever experienced severe tooth pain, swelling, or pus around a tooth, you may have had a dental abscess. Many patients wonder: Can a dental abscess go away on its own?
The short answer is no. While pain and swelling may temporarily improve, a dental abscess will not heal without professional treatment—and delaying care can exacerbate the problem.
What Is a Dental Abscess?
A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. It often develops when:
- Tooth decay reaches the pulp (nerve) of the tooth
- Gum disease leads to deep infection
- A cracked or broken tooth allows bacteria inside
There are two main types:
- Periapical abscess – at the tip of the tooth root
- Periodontal abscess – in the gums around a tooth
Both require prompt dental treatment.
Will a Dental Abscess Go Away on Its Own?
Unfortunately, a dental abscess does not resolve on its own without treatment. While pain may come and go, the infection remains and can spread to other areas of the mouth—or even beyond the jaw into the neck and bloodstream in severe cases.
Temporary improvements (like reduced pain) don’t mean the abscess is gone. It usually means the infection has subsided, but the underlying cause remains present.
What Happens If You Ignore a Dental Abscess?
If left untreated, a dental abscess can lead to:
- Severe tooth pain and sensitivity
- Swelling in the face or jaw
- Difficulty chewing or opening your mouth
- Fever and general illness
- Spread of infection to other parts of the body (a medical emergency)
This is why abscesses are considered dental emergencies.
How Is a Dental Abscess Treated?
Treatment depends on the severity and location of the abscess, but may include:
- Draining the abscess to remove pus and infection
- Root canal treatment to save the tooth
- Tooth extraction if the tooth cannot be saved
- Antibiotics to control infection (not a cure by itself)
At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we make treatment comfortable with sedation options ranging from nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to IV sedation and general anesthesia. This is especially helpful for:
- Patients with severe dental anxiety
- Adults with special needs who cannot tolerate traditional care
- Those needing complex or emergency treatment
Why Choose The Dental Anesthesia Center for Abscess Treatment?
Many patients avoid care because of fear, pain, or past negative experiences. At our St. Louis office, we offer:
- Expert sedation dentistry not available at most general dental practices
- Emergency dental services for urgent cases like abscesses
- A caring, patient-centered team experienced in treating individuals with special needs, dental anxiety, and phobias
Contact The Dental Anesthesia Center Today
If you need a dentist specializing in comfortable, sedation-based care, contact The Dental Anesthesia Center for expert, compassionate support.