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Dental hygiene tips for healthy teeth & gums

How long does it take for an abscess to drain on its own?

A dental abscess is a pocket of pus that results from a bacterial infection of the dental pulp. The form is at the root of a tooth and can affect children and adults alike. The primordial reason for the occurrence of dental abscess is the penetration or percolation of bacteria from the tough enamel into the sensitive pulp. In situations when tooth decay is left untreated or in cases of chipped or cracked teeth, the percolation of the bacteria to the pulp becomes possible. An abscess or the pimple-like phenomenon may occur two to three days after the infection. Now that we have elaborated on the nitty-gritty of dental abscess, let us see how long it takes for it to drain.

Is It Possible For An Abscess to Drain Naturally?
A dental abscess cannot heal away on its own. Professional intervention is necessary to deal with the infection as the insidious dental pulp is involved. Nevertheless, an abscess lasts for months and even a year without being drained. You can try and drain it at home by using a sterilized needle but there may be complications. As such, it is always advisable to get an abscess drained professionally.

Is an Undrained Abscess Dangerous?
A dental abscess is a relatively dangerous oral infection that needs immediate attention. If left untreated, an abscess can spread to other parts of the world body such as the jaw, neck, brain, and so forth. An undrained and untreated abscess can even lead to sepsis which is a life-threatening condition. Other complications associated with dental abscess include cysts and fistula.

The underlying fact is that an abscess can last for several months without being drained on its own. But, at times the abscess may burst on its own, causing immense pain and discomfort.

Schedule your appointment with a dentist today and get the treatment on time!