Hello, I can understand your concern. When a tooth is decayed or infected, the pus, fluid and gas inside causes pressure over the tooth to get out. When there is not enough space given by tooth such as hole over the top of the tooth, the pus accumulates in the gum around the tooth causing swelling which is known as abscess. If you want the infection not to spread for another 8 days, you should avoid any heat application or hot water gargles over the area. In addition, as soon as you eat something, you should gargle forcefully to prevent impaction of food in the area. You can also brush twice a day and use mouthwash for antibacterial activity in the oral cavity. Root canal is the treatment that eradicates the infection of the tooth while saving the tooth for function. Extraction is removal of tooth along with infection. If the tooth has enough sound structure that can help in chewing and other functions in future, the tooth should be saved by the root canal treatment. If the tooth has lost much of its sound structure, you should go for extraction. You can depend on the dentist s judgement regarding root canal or extraction as clinical examination of the teeth is necessary for that decision. Unfortunately, if abscess is due to infection in the tooth, it cannot be removed without treating the tooth with root canal treatment or extraction as tooth is the source of infection and without its treatment infection will persist. Tooth abscess is a presentation of the infection. It is not likely that it can turn into a cancerous growth. However, treatment of the infection is necessary. I hope this information helps you. Thank you for choosing HealthcareMagic. I wish you feel better soon. Best, Dr. Viraj Shah