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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