Unfortunately, a tooth abscess won’t go away on its own and will require you to seek dental intervention. While the pain from an abscess may stop if the infection causes the pulp inside the tooth to die, the bacteria from the infection will continue to spread and destroy surrounding tissue. It can take days, weeks, or months for the infection to spread; however, the repercussions of letting it do so are severe. Left untreated, an abscess can affect the soft tissue in your face and neck as well as your jawbone. There is also a chance that the infection will spread to your heart and brain, which are life-threatening conditions.