Reviewed By Dr. Tyler N Davis, DMD
Reading Time: 3 minutes
An abscessed tooth can cause intense pressure, swelling, and throbbing pain. It may seem like removing the tooth immediately is the fastest way to solve the problem, but the real risk depends on how and when the tooth is pulled.
Table of Contents
Why Pulling an Abscessed Tooth Can Be Dangerous
Yes, pulling an abscessed tooth can be dangerous if the infection is not properly evaluated and controlled first.
When handled improperly or delayed too long, the main risks include:
- Infection spreading deeper into the jawbone
- Bacteria entering surrounding soft tissue
- Severe swelling in the face or gums
- Continued infection if infected tissue remains
- Bacteria from the abscess can spread into the bloodstream
This is why some abscessed teeth are treated with a root canal first, while others need extraction, drainage, or antibiotics before a tooth extraction.
Why Removing the Tooth Does Not Always Remove the Infection
The abscess is often located at the tooth root tip (periapical abscess), in the periodontal tissues (periodontal abscess), or inside the surrounding bone. Simply pulling the tooth does not automatically remove all infected tissue.
A proper evaluation usually includes:
- Digital X-rays to locate the abscess source
- Determining whether the infection is draining
- Checking for bone involvement
- Evaluating nearby gum and soft tissue swelling
- Assessing whether the tooth can be saved with root canal treatment
When Extraction Is The Right Treatment
In some cases, tooth extraction is the safest way to remove the infection source and protect surrounding teeth and bone.
Extraction is often the best option when:
- The tooth is fractured below the gumline
- Root canal therapy cannot predictably remove the infection
- Bone support has been significantly lost
- A wisdom tooth is the infection source
- The tooth structure cannot be restored
- Recurrent abscesses continue after prior treatment
This is especially common with severely broken molars, non-restorable teeth, and some third molars.
Signs The Infection May Be Becoming More Serious
Dental infections can spread into the jaw, facial spaces, or bloodstream if left untreated.
Watch for:
- Rapidly increasing swelling
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Trouble swallowing
- Difficulty opening your mouth
- Pus drainage with bad taste
- Facial asymmetry
- Pain that suddenly becomes severe after pressure builds
If breathing or swallowing becomes difficult, proceed to the nearest emergency department or call 911.
Emergency Dental At Power Road Dental Care
An abscessed tooth should be evaluated quickly so the infection can be controlled before it spreads or damages surrounding bone and soft tissue. Prompt care helps identify the source of the infection and determine the next steps.
At Power Road Dental Care, time is reserved in the schedule each day for dental emergencies. If you are experiencing severe tooth pain, swelling, or signs of an abscess, the team works to evaluate urgent concerns as quickly as possible and provide timely care.
An abscessed tooth should be evaluated quickly so the infection can be controlled before it spreads or damages more bone support.
Emergency Dentist In Mesa, AZ
If you are experiencing a dental emergency, call (480) 664-1438 or visit us at 2500 S Power Rd STE 102, Mesa, AZ 85209. If you are a registered patient experiencing a dental emergency outside regular business hours, we will do our best to accommodate you.
We proudly serve patients throughout the Phoenix East Valley, including Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Apache Junction, and Queen Creek.
FAQs
Is it dangerous to pull an abscessed tooth at home?
You should never attempt to extract a tooth at home under any circumstances. Attempting to remove an abscessed tooth at home can worsen the infection, cause severe bleeding, and leave infected root fragments behind. Professional treatment is always safer.
Will pulling the tooth stop the abscess immediately?
If infected tissue remains in the surrounding bone or gum, the infection may continue even after the infected tooth is removed.
Is a root canal safer than pulling an abscessed tooth?
If the tooth can be predictably restored, root canal treatment is often the preferred way to remove the infection while preserving the tooth.
How fast should a dental abscess be treated?
As soon as possible. Swelling, fever, or facial pressure can worsen quickly, and early treatment reduces the risk of serious complications.
Can you die from pulling an infected tooth?
Serious complications from dental infections are rare, but untreated infections can spread into the jaw, neck, or bloodstream and become life-threatening. Pulling an infected tooth without proper evaluation may allow bacteria to spread, especially if swelling or deep infection is already present. Prompt professional treatment helps control the infection and reduce the risk of serious complications.