A tooth abscess occurs when bacteria invade the dental pulp — the innermost part of the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. This infection can cause pus to collect inside the tooth or gums, leading to swelling, severe pain, and difficulty eating or speaking.
There are different types of tooth abscesses:
Periapical Abscess: Forms at the tip of the tooth root.
Periodontal Abscess: Forms in the gums next to a tooth root.
Gingival Abscess: Forms only in the gum tissue and does not affect the tooth.
Early treatment is crucial to prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the body.
