A tooth abscess will not heal on its own without treatment. We’ve mentioned before that the infection can spread to other regions of the body– in the jaw area, wherein it could damage the jawbone and other soft tissues in the mouth and result in tooth loss. It may affect the neck, head, heart, and lungs. In rare instances, a dental abscess can put the person at risk of developing potentially life-threatening conditions, including blood infection, osteomyelitis, and sepsis.