Can an Infected Tooth Heal Without Treatment?

Generally, no. Once the inside of a tooth becomes infected, the infection usually does not go away on its own. Although the pain may lessen or even disappear temporarily, the infection can continue to damage the tooth and surrounding tissues if it isn’t treated.

What Causes a Tooth Infection?

A tooth infection usually develops when bacteria reach the pulp—the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels.

This can happen because of:

• A deep cavity
• A cracked tooth
• A broken filling or crown
• Dental trauma
• Untreated tooth decay

Once bacteria enter the pulp, the infection can spread beyond the tooth if left untreated.

Can the Infection Go Away by Itself?

In most cases, no.

Unlike some minor infections elsewhere in the body, an infected tooth usually cannot heal on its own because the damaged pulp has a very limited ability to recover after becoming infected.

Even if the pain decreases, the infection may still be present.

Why Does the Pain Sometimes Stop?

Many people assume the infection has healed because the tooth no longer hurts.

Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.

As the infection progresses, the nerve inside the tooth may stop functioning, causing the pain to decrease or disappear.

Although the tooth may feel better, the infection can continue spreading into the surrounding bone and tissues.

What Happens If an Infected Tooth Isn’t Treated?

Without treatment, an infected tooth may lead to:

• A dental abscess
• Bone loss around the tooth
• Swelling of the gums or face
• Increasing pain
• Damage to neighboring tissues
• Loss of the tooth

In some situations, dental infections can become serious and require prompt medical attention.

Can Antibiotics Cure an Infected Tooth?

Usually not by themselves.

Antibiotics may help reduce the spread of infection or control swelling in certain situations, but they do not remove the infected tissue inside the tooth.

To eliminate the source of the infection, treatment is usually needed.

Depending on the condition of the tooth, this may include:

• Root canal treatment
• Tooth extraction

Can the Tooth Be Saved?

Often, yes.

Many infected teeth can be successfully treated with root canal therapy if the tooth is otherwise healthy and can be predictably restored.

If the tooth is too badly damaged, extraction may be the healthiest long-term option.

We’ll discuss all appropriate treatment options with you before making a recommendation.

What Are the Signs of an Infected Tooth?

Symptoms may include:

• Persistent toothache
• Pain when biting
• Sensitivity to hot or cold
• Swelling of the gums
• A pimple-like bump on the gums
• Bad taste or drainage in the mouth
• Facial swelling

Some infected teeth cause very few symptoms, which is why regular dental examinations remain important.

Our Total Oral Health Approach

At Total Dentistry, we believe treating the source of the problem is just as important as relieving the symptoms.

If a tooth becomes infected, our first goal is to determine whether it can be predictably saved.

Whenever possible, we preserve healthy natural teeth while recommending treatment that provides the best long-term outcome for your oral health.

The Bottom Line

An infected tooth generally will not heal without professional treatment.

Although the pain may improve temporarily, the infection often remains and can continue damaging the tooth and surrounding tissues.

If you have a severe toothache, swelling, or think you may have an infected tooth, contact Total Dentistry as soon as possible. We’ll evaluate the tooth, explain your treatment options, and help you restore your oral health before the problem becomes more serious.