What is dental abscess?
The accumulation of thick fluid or pus is called an abscess. Pus or the thick fluid usually contains dead tissue, bacteria and white blood cells. These bacteria present in the pus cause infection. The collection of pus in a tooth and/or in adjoining structures is called dental abscess. Types of dental abscess Dental abscesses are classified into 2 main types, based on the abscess which begins in a tooth or in an adjoining structures. • Periapical abscess: In this type, the abscess begins in the center of the tooth (in the pulp cavity). This type of abscess occurs most commonly. It usually develops as a tooth decay, which erodes the protective layers (enamel and dentine) of the tooth. Thus, the tooth decay allows the entry of bacteria into the pulp cavity and causes an infection. The infection progresses within the pulp to cause abscess. If the nerve or tissue within the tooth is dead due to injury or any other reason, then that tooth is prone to infection and may lead to periapical abs
