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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