A dental abscess is an infection that occurs at the root of a tooth, between the gums and the tooth. It is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial injection of the dental pulp. An abscessed tooth is triggered when bacteria find a way to penetrate beneath the tough dental enamel and reach the pulp inside. The bacteria find such leeway due to dental cavities, periodontal diseases, chipped or cracked teeth, and so forth. 

It is crucial to remember that an abscess is formed after 1 to 2 days of an injection. Treatment is fundamental when we talk about a dental abscess, as there is no way to deal with the condition at home. If left untreated, an abscess infection can spread to parts of the jaw, head, and neck, including the brain. In some rare situations, an untreated abscess can also result in sepsis, a life-threatening condition.

Repercussions of an Untreated Abscessed Tooth

• Cysts: An untreated tooth abscess can result in the formation of cysts. We can understand cysts as liquid-filled bubbles inside the jawbone. 
• Fistula: A dental abscess infection can also detrimentally affect the bone and teeth in its vicinity. As such, there may be the formation of a fistula or the ‘sinus tract,’ which is an empty tunnel formed through the bone and skin. It resembles a pimple and enables pus to drain, resulting in a foul-tasting and pungent-smelling rush of liquid inside the mouth.
• Sepsis: In an untreated abscess, the bacteria inside the abscess may spread to other parts of the mouth and the body. When the infection seeps into the head or neck, the person is exposed to a life-threatening condition known as sepsis. 

An abscessed tooth can be painful and equally dangerous if left untreated. Therefore, we advise that you get yourself treated by a dentist as soon as you discover the condition.