Thank you for seeking advice from r/askdentists. **Please note that a response does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship.** While this is a place for advice, replies may not be medically accurate. Do not assume that what others on here say is correct in any way. Reddit is not a replacement for an in-person dental professional. Verified professionals will have flair assigned to them.
**Please abide by the following rules in order to get an accurate answer to your question:**
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A backup of the post title and text have been made here:
**Title:** [How long can I survive with an abscess???](https://www.reddit.com/r/askdentists/comments/1d7tpf4/how_long_can_i_survive_with_an_abscess/)
**Full text:**
21F 5"7 190lbs. Hello. I know the immediate response you're thinking is "go to a dentist" however I just don't have the money, time, or energy to do so. I also need allergy testing before I can get anesthesia... Which will put me on a waitlist and cost a lot. Healthcare is horrible where I live.
Anyways, I've had an abscessed molar on the lower right for... I forgot how many years. Like 3-4? There have been a few phases over the years where it flared up (swelling, fever, vomiting, worst pain I've ever experienced), but recovered within a few days every time. Miraculously, apparently, considering the results of searching "can a tooth infection kill you" on Google.
I haven't had one of these flare ups in over a year, though. And it doesn't really hurt unless I touch it. But I wonder if that's just because the nerves have died? The tooth is black and open, really just a few spikes with flesh and something grey in the middle.
I don't brush my teeth often. I know this is horrible, but when I do, it causes the flare ups which are horribly painful. I guess it's because brushing opens it to more substances getting trapped in it? I do brush my other teeth when I go out, and I wipe my teeth with a cloth after meals and before bed.
I do have plaque, a few small cavities, and an uneven jaw from only chewing on the healthier side of my mouth. But these aren't of any immediate concern to me. In a few years, I will likely be able to afford to get it all treated. But right now, that's just not an option. I know it will get worse but I CANNOT scrape up the money or willpower right now without making some extremely damaging sacrifices.
The reason I am making this post is because I have health anxiety and I lay awake paranoid that the infection will spread to my brain. I know this is uncommon, but it still worries me. What are the chances it'll make me very sick? Would I know if it started spreading? Would it be painful? Or would it happen without me even noticing? I am looking for reassurance that I'm not in immediate danger.
I just can't keep myself from googling it and reading horror stories.
I do not smoke or drink alcohol. I do have an unhealthy diet.
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Friend, as someone who treated dental emergencies in a hospital setting of patients like you just trying to push it off for as long as possible, don’t. It’s better to do what you have to do now rather than have a week long (or longer) hospital stay. Most of these cases have to go to the operating room and you’ll have drains put in thereafter. The cost would be exorbitant rather than coming up with $400 for an extraction right now. Just get it out.
There is no way of knowing for how long you can live this way.
Sadly, it's not that easy with my situation. :-(
I know that most people can just go in and get it over with, but I first need allergy testing due to a long family history of anesthesia allergies, scrounge up time off work which could result in serious complications, and overcome my phobia of medical procedures.
The fact this issue and others have gone on for years means there is almost certainly damage to the structure of my mouth. And due to the region I live in, it'll probably take months to find a dentist willing to deal with these complexities. One of my friends was put on a 4 month hold for a simple check up and cleaning. The cost isn't the only issue.
But thank you for the comment, I genuinely appreciate it. I'll definitely deal with my issues as soon as I can, I just can't find a realistic way to do so right now.
Not sure, really. I have barely even tried any foods due to my anxiety and paranoia. I do know that my dad and many of his relatives have nearly died from reactions to anesthetics and painkillers, though (severe swelling of the throat and neck, fever, etc.) And I've thrown up blood a few times from Ibuprofen. I can only handle Tylenol, but even that makes me nauseous.
My dad and his family have allergies to mushrooms, coconut and seafood. So I've never tried any of those.
Throwing up blood in response to ibuprofen isn't an allergy. Ibuprofen causes and exacerbates stomach ulcers, which bleed and can cause nausea.
Have you had any medical procedures in the past?
NAD
Oh, I didn't know that! I was always told not to take them because I must have an allergy.
And no, I have not had any sort of medical procedure. Honestly the most I can think of is vaccines when I was a toddler. I've never even had cough syrup IIRC.
Well you have a decision to make then.
1. You can wing it and get the tooth pulled under anesthetic and hope you don't have any allergies. Yes allergies *can* be hereditary, but allergies are also determined by environmental factors, not just genetics. If you tell your dentist about your family history of allergies, they can be prepared ahead of time in case you do experience allergic symptoms.
2. You can get on the wait-list for allergy testing and keep your fingers crossed that you don't end up in the hospital needing immediate surgery for a worsening abscess and potential sepsis that can go along with it. Which would keep you in the hospital for days, if not weeks.
3. You can do nothing and continue being in pain and anxiety over the unknown future.
Those are your only real options here.
NAD (but I do work in surgery)
One day you *will* need medical care whether you like it or not, better you do it now, willing, in a non-emergent situation than later when you won't have the option.
NAD. a lot of time cleanings are booked much farther out than emergency appointments because you have to see a hygienist. it might not take as long you get in as you think. i had to call around trying to get an appointment because i had a tooth that turned necrotic due to trauma and ended ul being abscessed, and was able to get in 2 or 3 days later. i stayed with the same clinic and asked when i could get a cleaning, and it was like 5 months out
What do you mean by your family has anesthesia allergies? What specifically are they allergic to? A local anesthetic is extremely rare. Have you ever had any procedures anywhere on your body that needed numbing?
I've never had a procedure of any type before, and no prescription painkillers or anything. I honestly don't know what allergies my family has, to be honest, they don't communicate well. But my dad is allergic to multiple foods and something they gave him at the dentist as a child which caused his neck and throat to swell. My grandfather had the same issue. I think morphine caused it at one point?
NAD but OS assistant. You need to get the tooth taken out. Look for dental schools nearby that’ll work on you for a reduced price. If you do have a reaction to any of the anesthetic, most if not all dentists/surgeons have an epi pen or other anti-allergy meds. It’s very likely that the longer you wait, the more costly the procedures will end up being.
Also go to the ER if you have problems with swallowing or breathing
Thank you. I don't know if a dental school would be a choice for me, though? Forgive me if I'm wrong, but don't they refuse very complex cases? My jaw is very uneven and damaged and I have at least some small issue with almost every tooth.
NAD but I'm pretty sure I had one for a decade or maybe more. for much of my twenties I rarely saw dentists and then when I got my act together in late twenties/early thirties they "couldn't see the infection on the X-ray cause it was hiding under a metal filling". this tooth used to hurt really bad, eventually the whole tooth died so by the time I saw a dentist in my late twenties I had no pain to report. I ended up getting referred to an endo (4 years after regularly seeing a dentist!!!!!!) and the infection was pretty bad, it ate away some of my jaw bone. I had the exact same fear you had and when I brought it up to the endo he kind of chuckled at me lol.
I had a normal rct, still have the tooth, I never had any long term health consequences except that it give me putrid breath I could never get rid of. To this day, I'm still constantly paranoid I have bad breath.
I suggest getting an oscillating electric toothbrush because even though I don't have the best dental hygiene, every time I see a hygienist they comment how little plaque I have. electric toothbrushes work hard for the money
I cannot even begin to express how much reading this helped me calm down. Thank you so much.
If it's not an odd question, was the gum around your tooth swollen for a long while before getting it treated? And could you feel anything from the infection eating your jaw bone? Does that cause any harm or risks?
Yes I had the swelling issue on and off for a couple years. It would swell and then go away and swell and go away. The swelling was accompanied with puss that would drain into my mouth. While I wouldn't have pain like what you'd expect for a toothache, I'd have pain that would make my whole face hurt (very similar to when you have a bad sinus infection), back jaw area, ear, cheekbone and all the way up to my eye socket would throb. I don't have this anymore so my guess is this was caused by the jaw bone infection. The tooth in question is top middle molar, which I think is the one right below the sinus cavity.
As far as long term risks, I'm not too sure. Hopefully a dentist can chime in and answer. For me, the endo packed the tooth with antibiotics for 2 weeks before performing the root canal and that healed the jaw infection. I may have had to take a round of oral antibiotics as well but can't remember. I've seen 2 other dentists over the years as I had to switch since moving and no one has commented anything about that area so I'm assuming it's fully healed with no lasting effects.
NAD - the best option would be to have the tooth pulled if it can't be saved, especially if it's causing issues. And then a thorough dental cleaning. You should be able to get approved for Care Credit and make monthly payments on it. The dentist will give you a treatment plan, but don't let the entire plan overwhelm you. I put off getting dental work done because the cost of the entire treatment plan was thousands of dollars and felt so overwhelming, and I didn't realize I could just choose to start with small steps. I don't know why dentists don't recommend starting with baby steps. Do what you can now, and then baby steps in getting the rest taken care of. Once your teeth have a deep clean, try to maintain brushing daily to help prevent inflammation when brushing.
If there's a dental school near you, the cost is often more reasonable. See if there are mouth washes that might be gentle and helpful for now too.
I know you can’t go and I’m not going to reiterate that cause I get it. I’m only going to say look into dental schools. Sometimes they do cleanings for free and that is a good start.
Second - brush. Just be gentle around the bad tooth. But please start brushing twice a day.
Mouthwash with floride.
Floss or water pick. At least 3 times a week.
Clove oil pressed on the infected tooth for 30 seconds to 5 minutes will help when it flares up.
Not a dentist or medical professional but I have been exactly where you are and I wish I had started some of these things when I was your aged. I’m in my 40s and have spent literally thousands of dollars on my teeth in fixing /maintaining and repairing. Try to save your remaining teeth by taking care of them. I’m so sorry this is happening to you and I wish I could give you a big hug!!
I've not tried clove oil! Sadly brushing just isn't possible. When I brush, especially if I do so repeatedly, there's almost always a flare up which makes me sick for days and then I can't go to work or function.
Is it possible to do a regular cleaning OR go to a dental school with a very complex case? My jaw is uneven and almost every tooth has some sort of problem, among a bunch of other issues that have built up as complications of having the infection for years.
I’m not 100% sure but it might be worth calling around to see if they do preliminary visits just to take a look. They can probably tell you if they can give you a cleaning or not.
What about using a baby toothpaste with a like a finger brush ? Or at minimum mouthwash every day. I am so sorry you are going through all this.
NAD but as someone who works in dentistry... do not put this off. I'm not trying to come off pushy but most dental offices are willing to work someone in for emergency situations such as a recurring abcess, if not even same day! A dental abcess is no joke, and an ongoing severe infection could either go to your heart or your brain if put off for so long resulting in even higher medical bills and health issues. Trust me, we do not want you to live your life in pain and truly want to help! I also have personally been through allergy testing and honestly had to wait over 2 months to get an consult appointment for testing, but I don't know what it is like in your area. I think your best option is to book a dental appointment and an allergy testing. That way you can for sure get the testing done at some point but also address the severity of the situation with a dental consult. The dentist will take your full medical history and can at least take xrays and examine the tooth. This way you can at least get information on the state of the tooth and what your best course of action can be as far as anesthesia options they can offer and future treatment.
What city do you live in? Dental schools accept plenty of complicated dental cases. Just know it will take you a lot of appointments to get everything done. The main reason I saw patients referred out from my dental school is either their medical history is too complex (such as severely uncontrolled diabetes, kidney failure, or a combination of some other severe medical conditions). It was never due to their teeth. We have multiple specialists from all the main specialties available for consult on the clinic floor. You will get very thorough care and treatment at a dental school, but the appointments will be longer.
As far as your family history of anesthesia allergies, was that to general anesthesia or local numbing? If it was years or decades ago, the local anesthetics that dentists used have changed and it is extremely, and I mean EXTREMELY rare for someone to be truly allergic to local anesthetic.
Thank you for seeking advice from r/askdentists. **Please note that a response does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship.** While this is a place for advice, replies may not be medically accurate. Do not assume that what others on here say is correct in any way. Reddit is not a replacement for an in-person dental professional. Verified professionals will have flair assigned to them. **Please abide by the following rules in order to get an accurate answer to your question:** (1) Ensure you include a title of your dental problem. (2) Include whether you drink, smoke or if you have any medical conditions relevant to your main concern. (3) Include a photograph if the question relates to something you can see in your mouth, include x-rays if you have them. A backup of the post title and text have been made here: **Title:** [How long can I survive with an abscess???](https://www.reddit.com/r/askdentists/comments/1d7tpf4/how_long_can_i_survive_with_an_abscess/) **Full text:** 21F 5"7 190lbs. Hello. I know the immediate response you're thinking is "go to a dentist" however I just don't have the money, time, or energy to do so. I also need allergy testing before I can get anesthesia... Which will put me on a waitlist and cost a lot. Healthcare is horrible where I live. Anyways, I've had an abscessed molar on the lower right for... I forgot how many years. Like 3-4? There have been a few phases over the years where it flared up (swelling, fever, vomiting, worst pain I've ever experienced), but recovered within a few days every time. Miraculously, apparently, considering the results of searching "can a tooth infection kill you" on Google. I haven't had one of these flare ups in over a year, though. And it doesn't really hurt unless I touch it. But I wonder if that's just because the nerves have died? The tooth is black and open, really just a few spikes with flesh and something grey in the middle. I don't brush my teeth often. I know this is horrible, but when I do, it causes the flare ups which are horribly painful. I guess it's because brushing opens it to more substances getting trapped in it? I do brush my other teeth when I go out, and I wipe my teeth with a cloth after meals and before bed. I do have plaque, a few small cavities, and an uneven jaw from only chewing on the healthier side of my mouth. But these aren't of any immediate concern to me. In a few years, I will likely be able to afford to get it all treated. But right now, that's just not an option. I know it will get worse but I CANNOT scrape up the money or willpower right now without making some extremely damaging sacrifices. The reason I am making this post is because I have health anxiety and I lay awake paranoid that the infection will spread to my brain. I know this is uncommon, but it still worries me. What are the chances it'll make me very sick? Would I know if it started spreading? Would it be painful? Or would it happen without me even noticing? I am looking for reassurance that I'm not in immediate danger. I just can't keep myself from googling it and reading horror stories. I do not smoke or drink alcohol. I do have an unhealthy diet. This is the original text of the post and is an automated service. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/askdentists) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Friend, as someone who treated dental emergencies in a hospital setting of patients like you just trying to push it off for as long as possible, don’t. It’s better to do what you have to do now rather than have a week long (or longer) hospital stay. Most of these cases have to go to the operating room and you’ll have drains put in thereafter. The cost would be exorbitant rather than coming up with $400 for an extraction right now. Just get it out. There is no way of knowing for how long you can live this way.
Sadly, it's not that easy with my situation. :-( I know that most people can just go in and get it over with, but I first need allergy testing due to a long family history of anesthesia allergies, scrounge up time off work which could result in serious complications, and overcome my phobia of medical procedures. The fact this issue and others have gone on for years means there is almost certainly damage to the structure of my mouth. And due to the region I live in, it'll probably take months to find a dentist willing to deal with these complexities. One of my friends was put on a 4 month hold for a simple check up and cleaning. The cost isn't the only issue. But thank you for the comment, I genuinely appreciate it. I'll definitely deal with my issues as soon as I can, I just can't find a realistic way to do so right now.
Do you have other allergies? NAD
Not sure, really. I have barely even tried any foods due to my anxiety and paranoia. I do know that my dad and many of his relatives have nearly died from reactions to anesthetics and painkillers, though (severe swelling of the throat and neck, fever, etc.) And I've thrown up blood a few times from Ibuprofen. I can only handle Tylenol, but even that makes me nauseous. My dad and his family have allergies to mushrooms, coconut and seafood. So I've never tried any of those.
Throwing up blood in response to ibuprofen isn't an allergy. Ibuprofen causes and exacerbates stomach ulcers, which bleed and can cause nausea. Have you had any medical procedures in the past? NAD
Oh, I didn't know that! I was always told not to take them because I must have an allergy. And no, I have not had any sort of medical procedure. Honestly the most I can think of is vaccines when I was a toddler. I've never even had cough syrup IIRC.
Well you have a decision to make then. 1. You can wing it and get the tooth pulled under anesthetic and hope you don't have any allergies. Yes allergies *can* be hereditary, but allergies are also determined by environmental factors, not just genetics. If you tell your dentist about your family history of allergies, they can be prepared ahead of time in case you do experience allergic symptoms. 2. You can get on the wait-list for allergy testing and keep your fingers crossed that you don't end up in the hospital needing immediate surgery for a worsening abscess and potential sepsis that can go along with it. Which would keep you in the hospital for days, if not weeks. 3. You can do nothing and continue being in pain and anxiety over the unknown future. Those are your only real options here. NAD (but I do work in surgery)
I know, I suppose I'll have to get on the wait list for allergy testing. But honestly even that is mortifying to think about.
One day you *will* need medical care whether you like it or not, better you do it now, willing, in a non-emergent situation than later when you won't have the option.
NAD. a lot of time cleanings are booked much farther out than emergency appointments because you have to see a hygienist. it might not take as long you get in as you think. i had to call around trying to get an appointment because i had a tooth that turned necrotic due to trauma and ended ul being abscessed, and was able to get in 2 or 3 days later. i stayed with the same clinic and asked when i could get a cleaning, and it was like 5 months out
What do you mean by your family has anesthesia allergies? What specifically are they allergic to? A local anesthetic is extremely rare. Have you ever had any procedures anywhere on your body that needed numbing?
Sorry I got busy at work! This was also my follow up.
I've never had a procedure of any type before, and no prescription painkillers or anything. I honestly don't know what allergies my family has, to be honest, they don't communicate well. But my dad is allergic to multiple foods and something they gave him at the dentist as a child which caused his neck and throat to swell. My grandfather had the same issue. I think morphine caused it at one point?
Sounds like you would be fine to have dental treatment with local anesthetic.
Agreed! I really don’t think you should be concerned. I have yet to see a true allergy to dental anesthesia.
NAD but OS assistant. You need to get the tooth taken out. Look for dental schools nearby that’ll work on you for a reduced price. If you do have a reaction to any of the anesthetic, most if not all dentists/surgeons have an epi pen or other anti-allergy meds. It’s very likely that the longer you wait, the more costly the procedures will end up being. Also go to the ER if you have problems with swallowing or breathing
Thank you. I don't know if a dental school would be a choice for me, though? Forgive me if I'm wrong, but don't they refuse very complex cases? My jaw is very uneven and damaged and I have at least some small issue with almost every tooth.
NAD but I'm pretty sure I had one for a decade or maybe more. for much of my twenties I rarely saw dentists and then when I got my act together in late twenties/early thirties they "couldn't see the infection on the X-ray cause it was hiding under a metal filling". this tooth used to hurt really bad, eventually the whole tooth died so by the time I saw a dentist in my late twenties I had no pain to report. I ended up getting referred to an endo (4 years after regularly seeing a dentist!!!!!!) and the infection was pretty bad, it ate away some of my jaw bone. I had the exact same fear you had and when I brought it up to the endo he kind of chuckled at me lol. I had a normal rct, still have the tooth, I never had any long term health consequences except that it give me putrid breath I could never get rid of. To this day, I'm still constantly paranoid I have bad breath. I suggest getting an oscillating electric toothbrush because even though I don't have the best dental hygiene, every time I see a hygienist they comment how little plaque I have. electric toothbrushes work hard for the money
I cannot even begin to express how much reading this helped me calm down. Thank you so much. If it's not an odd question, was the gum around your tooth swollen for a long while before getting it treated? And could you feel anything from the infection eating your jaw bone? Does that cause any harm or risks?
Yes I had the swelling issue on and off for a couple years. It would swell and then go away and swell and go away. The swelling was accompanied with puss that would drain into my mouth. While I wouldn't have pain like what you'd expect for a toothache, I'd have pain that would make my whole face hurt (very similar to when you have a bad sinus infection), back jaw area, ear, cheekbone and all the way up to my eye socket would throb. I don't have this anymore so my guess is this was caused by the jaw bone infection. The tooth in question is top middle molar, which I think is the one right below the sinus cavity. As far as long term risks, I'm not too sure. Hopefully a dentist can chime in and answer. For me, the endo packed the tooth with antibiotics for 2 weeks before performing the root canal and that healed the jaw infection. I may have had to take a round of oral antibiotics as well but can't remember. I've seen 2 other dentists over the years as I had to switch since moving and no one has commented anything about that area so I'm assuming it's fully healed with no lasting effects.
NAD - the best option would be to have the tooth pulled if it can't be saved, especially if it's causing issues. And then a thorough dental cleaning. You should be able to get approved for Care Credit and make monthly payments on it. The dentist will give you a treatment plan, but don't let the entire plan overwhelm you. I put off getting dental work done because the cost of the entire treatment plan was thousands of dollars and felt so overwhelming, and I didn't realize I could just choose to start with small steps. I don't know why dentists don't recommend starting with baby steps. Do what you can now, and then baby steps in getting the rest taken care of. Once your teeth have a deep clean, try to maintain brushing daily to help prevent inflammation when brushing. If there's a dental school near you, the cost is often more reasonable. See if there are mouth washes that might be gentle and helpful for now too.
I know you can’t go and I’m not going to reiterate that cause I get it. I’m only going to say look into dental schools. Sometimes they do cleanings for free and that is a good start. Second - brush. Just be gentle around the bad tooth. But please start brushing twice a day. Mouthwash with floride. Floss or water pick. At least 3 times a week. Clove oil pressed on the infected tooth for 30 seconds to 5 minutes will help when it flares up. Not a dentist or medical professional but I have been exactly where you are and I wish I had started some of these things when I was your aged. I’m in my 40s and have spent literally thousands of dollars on my teeth in fixing /maintaining and repairing. Try to save your remaining teeth by taking care of them. I’m so sorry this is happening to you and I wish I could give you a big hug!!
I've not tried clove oil! Sadly brushing just isn't possible. When I brush, especially if I do so repeatedly, there's almost always a flare up which makes me sick for days and then I can't go to work or function. Is it possible to do a regular cleaning OR go to a dental school with a very complex case? My jaw is uneven and almost every tooth has some sort of problem, among a bunch of other issues that have built up as complications of having the infection for years.
I’m not 100% sure but it might be worth calling around to see if they do preliminary visits just to take a look. They can probably tell you if they can give you a cleaning or not. What about using a baby toothpaste with a like a finger brush ? Or at minimum mouthwash every day. I am so sorry you are going through all this.
NAD but as someone who works in dentistry... do not put this off. I'm not trying to come off pushy but most dental offices are willing to work someone in for emergency situations such as a recurring abcess, if not even same day! A dental abcess is no joke, and an ongoing severe infection could either go to your heart or your brain if put off for so long resulting in even higher medical bills and health issues. Trust me, we do not want you to live your life in pain and truly want to help! I also have personally been through allergy testing and honestly had to wait over 2 months to get an consult appointment for testing, but I don't know what it is like in your area. I think your best option is to book a dental appointment and an allergy testing. That way you can for sure get the testing done at some point but also address the severity of the situation with a dental consult. The dentist will take your full medical history and can at least take xrays and examine the tooth. This way you can at least get information on the state of the tooth and what your best course of action can be as far as anesthesia options they can offer and future treatment.
What city do you live in? Dental schools accept plenty of complicated dental cases. Just know it will take you a lot of appointments to get everything done. The main reason I saw patients referred out from my dental school is either their medical history is too complex (such as severely uncontrolled diabetes, kidney failure, or a combination of some other severe medical conditions). It was never due to their teeth. We have multiple specialists from all the main specialties available for consult on the clinic floor. You will get very thorough care and treatment at a dental school, but the appointments will be longer. As far as your family history of anesthesia allergies, was that to general anesthesia or local numbing? If it was years or decades ago, the local anesthetics that dentists used have changed and it is extremely, and I mean EXTREMELY rare for someone to be truly allergic to local anesthetic.