how long can a tooth infection go untreated before it lands u in the hospital? Mine's going on 8 months now. Hurts like an SOB! I thought I had a dentist to take me. They did the exam, says it needs a root canal but will probably need to just be pulled out...that was 3 months ago. Now almost all my teeth hurt on the left side, swollen. I need to find a dentist that can take me with no insurance and no cash upfront. good luck to me. If anyone knows one, let me know. The last place I want to end up with no insurance is the hospital...and I think that's getting close. I can't control the pain at all.