A tooth abscess or a periapical abscess to be more precise is an infection that affects the tooth and may also affect the gums. Toothaches are always painful and especially a tooth abscess can be extremely painful, leaving you almost incapacitated at times. A tooth abscess results from a bacterial infection of the tooth, usually resulting from a cavity or infection that was neglected. The problem is therefore most common in individuals with poor dental hygiene and in populations where there is poor or limited access to dental care. A tooth abscess is problematic because it can cause complications and lead to many other dental health problems. As the tooth enamel gets damaged and deteriorates, the infection can also spread to the center of the tooth, known as the pulp. Once the infection reaches the root of the tooth it can even spread to the bones that support the teeth. While minor dental problems may cause dull and mild toothaches, a Tooth Abscess is likely to be a lot more severe, with throbbing pain that ebbs and flows. A tooth abscess is basically the most common variety of dental abscess. In medical terms it is referred to as periapical abscess, while the other type is called periodontal abscess. This type of abscess forms in the supporting bones and gums.
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