How long can a dental abscess go untreated?

A dental abscess can go untreated for varying lengths of time, depending on the severity of the infection and the individual’s overall health. However, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible as the longer an abscess goes untreated, the more serious it can become.

If left untreated, a dental abscess can spread to other areas of the head and neck, potentially causing serious health complications, such as sepsis or meningitis. It can also cause significant damage to the surrounding teeth, gums, and bone structure.

In severe cases, untreated dental abscesses can become life-threatening and require hospitalization for treatment. Therefore, it’s important to seek prompt treatment from a dentist if you suspect you have a dental abscess.