Health encyclopaedia

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Dental abscess

A dental abscess is formed when the dental pulp (nerve and blood vessel) in the centre of the tooth (pulp chamber) dies and the pulp chamber becomes infected. As the bacteria multiply they are forced beyond the end of the root and an abscess is formed. As the collection of pus is trying to expand within the bone the tooth may become raised in its socket and feel tender when you bite down. 

There are two types of dental abscess. A periapical abscess starts in the dental pulp and is most common in children. A periodontal abscess begins in the supporting bone and tissue structures of the teeth, and is the most common type in adults.

• Symptoms
• Causes
• Diagnosis
• Prevention
• Treatment
• Complications

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