What is an abscess tooth?

Infection: There are 2 types of abscesses. The first and most common is a peri- apical or root canal abscess occurring from an infected pulp(nerve) inside the tooth. The other is the periodontal or gum abscess occurring in an infected gum pocket next to the tooth. Both can cause pain and swelling when they fill with pus.

Infection: An abscessed tooth is a tooth that has an infection, must commonly from the nerve dying from decay (or trauma) and then the tissue inside the canals of the tooth work their way out to the tip of the root(s) and cause an acute infection in the bone. A tooth can also have an abscess from other causes such as periodontal disease or from a fractured or perforated root.

Infection: Infection. Needs to be treated. Treated different ways depending on situation. Follow advice of your dentist. If not happy, get second opinion.