It is possible to suffer severe pain and discomfort due to a tooth infection, also known as a dental abscess or abscessed tooth. Many people who suffer from dental pain or infection seek treatment as soon as possible, but some delay treatment because they cannot get an appointment with a dentist or are worried about paying for an ER or urgent care visit. However, untreated dental infections can lead to serious or long-lasting complications. Infections of the teeth are rarely life-threatening thanks to improved dental hygiene, modern dentistry, and antibiotics. Waiting too long to get your infection treated increases the chances that it will spread to other parts of your body, such as your jawbone, cheek, and neck. Life-threatening infections can travel to the bloodstream, heart, or brain in rare cases. For this reason, it’s crucial to seek medical attention, as It is important to see a dentist for regular preventative care as soon as you experience any of the symptoms of a tooth infection. Failure to do so can result in more expensive treatment in the long run and, most importantly, cause serious health complications.