What is a tooth abscess?

An abscessed tooth is a tooth that is in great distress and is usually sensitive and painful. Occasionally, an abscess may be detected on an x-ray and treated before you feel any discomfort. Left untreated, an abscessed tooth may compromise the immune system and in some cases may become life-threatening.

What does it mean when tooth decay leads to a tooth abscess?

A dental abscess is a severe tooth infection that first forms around the tip (apex) of the tooth's root making the tooth ache continuously. Left untreated, it will begin to erode the bone around the tooth and may form a small fistula, or canal, through the bone and its overlaying gum. Just before the fistula reaches the surface of the gum, a swelling, or boil may form. This can burst and release foul tasting pus into the mouth. See Root Canal Therapy for possible treatment options.

A tooth abscess is sensitive and painful. The pain is what normally alerts you that there is a problem. Occasionally, an abscess may be detected on an x-ray and treated before you feel any discomfort. Left untreated, it may compromise the immune system and in some cases may become life-threatening.

Can my tooth be saved if it abscesses?

Yes, most of the time. There was a time when a tooth abscess meant certain death to the tooth.  But now there are treatments available, such as Root Canal Therapy, that treat a tooth abscess successfully. There are no guarantees however, that the tooth will survive. A lot depends on how badly the tooth is damaged by the tooth abscess and how far along the infection.

What are the different types of tooth abscesses?

There are two main types of tooth abscesses, periapical (root tip) and lateral:

• A periapical tooth abscess (root tip) is a pocket of infection found at the base of a tooths root. This type of abscessed tooth requires either Root Canal Therapy or extraction. It is caused by deep decay or an accident.
  
• A lateral tooth abscess develops along the lateral or side of the tooths root. The infection comes from outside the tooth instead of from inside. A lateral abscessed tooth can either be gingival (located near the gum line) or periodontal (located deeper in the periodontal tissues). Since most cases of lateral abscessed teeth are due to periodontitis (gum disease), a combination of periodontal and root canal therapy may be needed.