Urgent! i have what i assume to be a "dental abscess". what can happen if i don't get it treated right away?

It can spread...: You can become swollen, you can be in a lot of pain, you can loose the tooth, and if the infection spreads you may need to be hospitalized. Why put yourself through all of that? Have it treated now and take all those other problems out of the equation. In the end, you will still need to see a dentist. Make the call...

See dentist soon: Dental abscess can spread the infection..So should get it treated..

Bacteremia: Make an appointment with your dds immediately to be seen tomorrow morning . If you do not get your dental concern diagnosed by a professional, you are doing yourself a disservice! a dental abcess is a localized infection specific to one tooth. If it is not treated, bacteria from that infection can spread into your bloodstream, which is called a bacteremia. This is a "full body" infection.

Urgent!: Urgent is right! you have answered your own question. What can happen: excruciating pain, severe swelling, spread of infection, unnecessary suffering, poorer prognosis for success of treatment, more expense, longer resolution of problem, serious medical complications including death. You are an adult and will bear the consequences of postponing treatment. A smart thing to do is see a dentist now!