A ruptured abscess can give you an instant sense of relief. But this lack of pain doesn’t guarantee that you’re in the clear just yet. Whether or not an abscess ruptures, leaving it untreated can allow the bacteria to spread to other parts of your jaw, head, and neck. From there, the infection could spread to your brain, make your throat swell shut, or even begin growing in your bloodstream, causing a life-threatening condition called sepsis. We strongly recommend that you get professional treatment for a dental abscess as soon as possible!