Abscessed
Tooth
Periapical (root-tip) Abscess
A periapical (root-tip) abscess is a pocket of infection
at the base of a tooth's root. The tooth becomes abscessed
after the pulp (nerve) of the tooth becomes infected. A periapical
abscess is usually caused by deep decay or an accident
(trauma to the tooth involving nerve damage). A periapically
abscessed tooth will require either Root
Canal Therapy or an Extraction.
In some cases an antibiotic will also be prescribed.
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Lateral Abscess
A lateral abscess is similar to a periapical abscess, but develops
along the lateral surface of the tooth's root. In this case, the
infection comes from outside the tooth instead of from within. A
lateral abscess can either be gingival (located near the
gum line) or periodontal (located deeper in the periodontal
tissues). Since most cases of lateral abscess are due to periodontitis
(gum disease), treatment is part of an overall periodontal
(gum) treatment program.
All Abscesses
An abscessed tooth is usually sensitive or painful.
The discomfort is what normally alerts the patient to the problem.
Occasionally, an abscess may be detected on an x-ray
and treated before the patient experiences any discomfort. Left
untreated, an abscess may compromise the immune system and in
some cases may become life-threatening. |
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