Question about toothache and infection.?

So I currently have a toothache. I have researched online about it and learned that it is called an abscess. I am going to the dentist as soon as possible, which is in 2 days. The pain begain friday night, I have to wait until monday morning to go to the dentist. I do not have any swelling in my gums. But how do I know if I have an infection? I have read that you can die from an infection because it goes to your blood stream.

I was wondering, how long does it take for the infection to spread. I have heard it could spread to your brain, or heart and kill you. I am really paranoid, and I need to know. How long does it take for an infection to spread for it to become severe.

I want to know how long it takes to spread.

An infection will be very painful

Just because you have toothache doesn't necessarily mean you have an infection it could be caused by decay.

If its sensitive to sweet or cold its either decay or there is some sort of exposure of the dentine (the layer of tooth under the enamel)

If its aching it could be from a cracked tooth, Grinding, Really deep decay and a dead nerve (infection usually)

If you don't have swelling you are extremely unlikely to get an infection of your brain or heart. so you're not gonna die

Trust me you'll know if it gets that bad because you will feel like dying ;) your swelling will be so big your face will look real funny on that side. you'll feel sick and nauseous possibly feverish.

An abscess is when the nerve dies and the infection builds up in the hollow part inside the tooth. The infection has no where to go so it squirts out the tip of the root into the bone. This bubble of infection is an abscess. The bubble is usually contained until it finds an escape route as it expands. It then will cause swelling ..... then way way down the track it could cause the things you are scared of but not before.

When I was pregnant with my youngest son, I have had absess also, my dentist cannot pull my teeth or do anything except give me a very mild pain reliever such as Panadol, that's it! I have to wait till I had the baby. So back to your question, the infection will not kill you or spread in your brain this weekend, it takes longer than that. But I am glad you are paranoid, it shows that your healt is important to you. You will be okey, dont worry

The other answers are really indepth, I can't match that. I can say, I have had several, perhaps more minor abscesses... and, honestly, have not seen a dentist since the first one. Yes, I still have all my teeth and they are healthy. There is discomfort, and it drains a bit, but I have never had an infection, or taste of infection (you know that bad smell/taste when you have a sinus cold?). I've always been fine. granted, seeing a dentist is a good thing, I don't think you need to worry about any further damage. If it spread or became severe quickly, I'd be dead! tee-hee, i'm not. Hope all goes well.