Various factors can damage the dental pulp since it is the most vulnerable area for bacteria and other micro-organisms. A tooth is the hardest region in the human body and is meant for chewing and crushing of food particles. Periodontitis, cavities, tartar, plaque, tooth abscess and sensitivity are some of the major problems that occur in teeth. Bacteria can attack the dental pulp area causing tooth abscess. Bacteria can easily gain access through a chip or crack in your teeth penetrating deep inside the root of a tooth. This subsequently can cause swelling and pain in the infected tooth.
Tooth abscess is nothing but collection of pus and debris matter in the pulp of the teeth. Normally the body’s defense mechanism would fight off the bacteria and destroy them. But when the conditions become unfavorable, and bacteria grow in large numbers it can effectively attack the pulp chamber growing on the dead white blood cells and other debris.
Tooth abscess develop when the bacteria invades the soft decayed pulp of the tooth occurring due to decay of tooth and broken tooth. Root canal treatment if not done properly can also cause tooth abscess.
Types :
There are various types of tooth abscess and some of them are listed here.
- Periodontal abscess is one in which the bacterial infection occurs in the periodontal pocket.
- Gingival abscess occurs when the gum tissue gets affected and pericoronal abscess develops when the tissues in the crown of teeth gets affected.
Symptoms :