Abscessed Tooth

R. Bruce Coye, D.D.S.
1441 Avocado Ave.
Suite 508
Newport Beach, CA 92660
949-640-5680

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Abscessed Tooth

Your third set of molars are no different than any other tooth, save for the fact that they are the last to erupt, or grow, into the mouth. Because they typically do so at around the age of 18 to 20, when adolescents are close to turning into adults, these teeth are commonly referred to as "wisdom teeth."

An abscessed tooth is one that has become infected. Tooth decay is often the culprit; when tooth decay advances deep into the tooth, it can cause destruction of the pulp, the core of the tooth. When this happens, the pulp gets infected and swollen and pus builds up near the jawbone.

Left untreated, infected pulp can cause more serious problems, including damage to surrounding tissue and bone.

Root canal treatment is the most common form of treatment for an abscessed tooth. Root canal treatment involves removing the infected tissue, cleansing and sealing the canal of the tooth and restoring the tooth with a crown, or cap.