Abscess Tooth Guide

A tooth abscess is pus enclosed in the tissues of the jaw bone at the tip of an infected tooth. Most often the abscess tooth is formed because of a bacterial infection that gets accumulated in the soft pulp of the tooth. Abscesses originate from the dead pulp tissue, caused by untreated tooth decay, a failed root canal treatment or extensive periodontal disease or cracked tooth.

Dental abscesses are of three kinds. A gingival abscess occurs only in the gum tissue without affecting the tooth or the periodontal ligament. A periapical abscess occurs in the dental pulp. A periodontal abscess occurs in the supporting bone and tissue of the teeth.

An abscessed tooth causes lot of pain as along with the tooth the surrounding gums are also infected and a root canal or extraction is usually recommended.

The abscess tooth may be merely a minor infection, or it may be even accelerating – spreading not only to the mouth but the entire body. The abscess begins on the external layers of the teeth along the protective coating named enamel. The naturally existing bacteria inside the mouth begin striking at the enamel and may subsequently weaken, and crack in a small hole. During this time, there may only be minor soreness. Sensitivity to hot and cold, along with soreness whether the tooth is tapped may be frequent signs.