What is an "Abscessed" Tooth?
An abscessed tooth is an infected tooth. If the inside of the tooth, where the nerve usually lives (the pulp), is now dead and infected, this is a "periapical" abscess. If the abscess is coming from infection in a periodontal pocket (a void in the bone usually due to periodontal disease) it is a "periodontal" (or gum) abscess. Sometimes a dental abscess is excruciatingly painful and/or swollen, and at other times a patient will not even know it exists until he or she has a routine exam and/or x-ray.
On this site you will find information about dental abscesses as well as several other common problems that cause dental pain. Check the links on the upper left to learn more!
__________________________________
© 2005-2010 Lynne Heckert, DDS, JD All rights reserved. No portion of this or any DentalSmarts.com site may be used without express written permission. About Dr Lynne Heckert
Disclaimer: Ads on Dental Smarts Sites (found in the margins) are generated automatically and not chosen, reviewed or endorsed by me.
Please remember that dental information written by me on these sites is not all-inclusive and it may or may not apply to your situation and you need to call your own dentist. A dentist needs to see the tooth, take and x-ray, etc. to diagnose and treat. I cannot respond to email inquiries or phone calls. Thanks for visiting!
|
