Tag Archives: periradicular abscess

Understanding Tooth Abscess

What is a tooth abscess?

Abscess is a collection of pus in a cavity formed by the tissue due to bacterial infection or trauma by foreign objects. The pus is formed by dead inflammatory cells and bacteria. It is a defensive reaction of the tissue to prevent the spread of infection to the other parts of the body. A tooth abscess is pus enclosed in the tissues of the jaw bone at the apex of the root. There are three types of tooth abscess: Continue reading

Symptoms indicating when you need a Root Canal Treatment

What is Root Canal Treatment (RCT)?

Root canal treatment is the removal of inflamed and/or infected dental pulp tissue from the root canal system, shaping and filling the root canals of a diseased tooth. The key factor in the development of pulpal inflammation and breakdown of the supporting tissues of the tooth (periradicular tissues) is the presence of bacteria. These endodontal infections (infections within teeth) are usually characterized by loss of integrity of the crown, invasion by bacteria, and destruction of enamel, dentine, and eventual pulpal involvement. Dental caries,  trauma, tooth surface loss, and microleakage around tooth fillings can lead to endodontal infection. In situations where there has been periradicular breakdown, root canal treatment will result in the return of the health of the periradicular tissues. Ultimately, root canal treatment preserves teeth as functional units within the dental arch. Continue reading