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 An
abscessed tooth is usually painful and is often accompanied by swelling
around the tooth. This swelling can become severe and can compromise the body’s
immune system. If an abscess is left untreated it can become life
threatening.
An abscessed tooth occurs when the internal life support
system (the pulp) of the tooth becomes infected and dies. When the blood
vessels and nerve inside the tooth die, this tissue becomes necrotic and
forms gas and liquid (puss) that go outside of the tooth and into the jaw bone.
 
An abscess usually results from deep decay in the tooth, and
the bacteria from the decay cause an infection. Trauma (an accident) to the
tooth can cause it to die even if the accident took place many years ago. A
large filling in a tooth even if placed many years ago can also cause a
tooth to die. Periodontitis can also cause a
tooth to abscess. An x-ray is often needed to
diagnose the cause and extent of the abscess.
An abscess will require either a root
canal therapy or an extraction. In most
cases antibiotic therapy will also be needed.
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