periapical abscess

periapical abscess,

an infection around the root of a tooth, usually a result of spreading of dental caries. The abscess may perforate into the oral cavity or maxillary sinus; extend into nearby bone, causing osteomyelitis; or, more often, spread to soft tissues, causing cellulitis and a swollen face. There may be associated fever, malaise, and nausea. Treatment includes drilling into the pulp of the tooth to establish drainage and relieve pain, followed by antibiotics and late root canal therapy or tooth extraction. Also called dental abscess.

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abscess (ab´ses),

n a localized accumulation of suppuration in a confined space formed by tissue disintegration.

Abscess.

abscess, alveolar,

n See periapical abscess.

abscess, apical,

n See periapical abscess.

abscess, dentoalveolar,

n See periapical abscess.

abscess, gingival,

n a superficial periodontal abscess occurring within the free gingival sulcus surrounding the tooth, frequently caused by the impaction of food.

abscess, lateral,

n See periodontal abscess.

abscess, periapical

n an abscess involving the apical region of the root, alveolus, and surrounding bone as a result of pulpal disease.

abscess, pericoronal,

n See pericoronitis.

abscess, periodontal,

n an abscess involving the attachment tissues and alveolar bone as a result of periodontal disease.

abscess, periradicular

n an abscess involving the periradicular region of the root, alveolus, and surrounding bone as a result of pulpal disease.

abscess, pulpal,

n an abscess occurring within pulpal tissue.

abscess, staphylococcal

n an abscess caused by the bacteria
S. aureus, an infectious agent that can be transmitted via saliva and other discharges of the body. The incubation period is 4 to 10 days; the duration of the abscess varies and is indefinite. The bacteria are communicable throughout the drainage period of the lesions and while the carrier state continues.

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periapical (per´ēā´pikl),

adj enclosing or surrounding the apical area of a tooth root.

periapical abscess,

n an acute or chronic inflammation of the periapical tissues characterized by a localized accumulation of suppuration at the apex of a tooth. It is generally a sequela of pulp death of the tooth.

periapical granuloma,

n an accumulation of mononuclear inflammatory cells with an encircling aggregation of fibroblasts and collagen at the apex of the root of a tooth caused by chronic inflammation. Also called
chronic apical periodontitis.

periapical radiograph (PA),

n a radiograph that includes the tooth apices and surrounding periodontium in a particular intraoral area.

periapical radiographic survey,

n a complete series of intraoral radiographs that include the periapical portions of the tooth and its periodontium.

periapical tissue,

n the tissue located at the root end of a tooth. Usually consists of the connective tissue forming an attachment between the root and the alveolar bone.

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abscess

a localized collection of pus in a cavity formed by the disintegration of tissue. Most abscesses are formed by invasion of tissues by bacteria, but some are caused by fungi or protozoa or even helminths, and some are sterile. Their effects are determined by their location and the pressure that they exert on nearby organs, and the degree of toxemia that they create from their bacterial content and the amount of tissue destroyed. So that for a reasonably active abscess the syndrome presented will be one of local pain, anorexia and fever, and a leukocytosis. For specific abscesses see under anatomical sites, e.g. brain abscess.

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Brodie's abscess

a circumscribed abscess in bone, caused by hematogenous infection that becomes a chronic nidus of infection.

cervical abscess

see vertebral abscess.

cold abscess

one of slow development and with little inflammation, e.g. caseous lymphadenitis of sheep and goat.

cornea stromal abscess

small ulcers or puncture wounds of the corneal epithelium may permit entry of bacteria then heal, creating an abscess. Particularly important in horses.

diffuse abscess

a collection of pus not enclosed by a capsule.

facial subcutaneous abscess

a disease of cattle eating hay or pasture containing mature grass awns.

gas abscess

one containing gas, caused by gas-forming bacteria such as Clostridium perfringens.

grass seed abscess

in cattle occurs as a cold, subcutaneous abscess at the throat or on the mandible and is often diagnosed but rarely confirmed. In dogs it occurs in many sites, but most commonly between the toes. The causative grass awn(s) may be recovered by forceps or, in more extensive lesions, surgical exploration.

infraorbital abscess

occurs in birds as a sequel to chronic upper respiratory infection with sinusitis.

injection site abscess

an iatrogenic lesion resulting from incomplete skin disinfection before injection; usually contains Arcanobacterium pyogenes.

intra-abdominal abscess

include diaphragmatic, mesenteric, retroperitoneal; many are subclinical; clinical signs include those of chronic peritonitis. Called also omental bursitis.

maxillary abscess

see malar abscess.

mediastinal abscess

a very large abscess in this site may cause signs of congestive heart failure due to compression of pericardium and venae cavae.

miliary abscess

one of a set of small abscesses.

milk abscess

abscess of the mammary gland occurring during lactation.

pectoral abscess

a disease of horses in which abscesses occur in the pectoral muscles and ventral midline, and in some cases in internal organs, causing local pain and swelling and eventually rupturing and draining to the exterior. Endemic to areas of California, Texas and Colorado in the USA where it is also known as pigeon fever and has epidemic occurrence in the autumn of some years with a possible insect vector transmission. Caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis.

periapical abscess

inflammation and destruction of dental pulp and surrounding tissues, including the periodontal membrane and alveolar bone. The radiographic appearance is a translucency of the tooth apex and adjacent alveolar bone. Most common in dogs.

periorbital abscess

firm masses above or below the eyes occur in birds as a sequel to chronic respiratory disease and sinusitis.

phlegmonous abscess

one associated with acute inflammation of the subcutaneous connective tissue.

phoenix abscess

acute recurrence of a chronic periapical lesion.

primary abscess

one formed at the seat of the infection.

rete mirabile abscess

see pituitary abscess.

retroarticular abscess

one located between the intermediate phalanx and the deep flexor tendon in the hooves of cattle. It may be caused by extension of infection from the navicular bursa or from suppurative arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint.

retrobulbar abscess

behind the orbit of the eye; cause pain on opening of the mouth, chemosis and exophthalmos, protrusion of the nictitating membrane, and systemic signs of infection. Most common in dogs and cats.

stitch abscess, suture abscess

one developed about a stitch or suture.

vertebral body/epidural abscess

usually of cervical or lumbar vertebrae; causes compression of cord manifested by incoordination, paresis, paralysis.

wandering abscess

one that burrows into tissues and finally points at a distance from the site of origin.

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periapical abscess

Tooth abscess Dentistry A complication of caries, linked to trauma to enamel, allowing bacteria to infect pulp, and extend to the tooth root and bone, with necrosis, gum swelling, toothache, and periodontal disease. Cf Caries, Periodontal disease.