An abscessed tooth is a tooth that has become infected due to a dental cavity or tooth decay. A cavity is an area in the tooth where the enamel and dentin have worn away. Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in plaque adhere to the tooth, produce acid, and eat away at the enamel and dentin
Acute or chronic localized inflammation, probably with a collection of pus, associated with tissue destruction and, frequently, swelling; usually secondary to infection.
acute periradicular or acute apical abscess–An inflammatory reaction to pulpal infection and necrosis characterized by rapid onset, spontaneous pain, tenderness of the tooth to pressure, pus formation and eventual swelling of associated tissues. May also be known as acute periapical abscess, acute alveolar abscess, dentoalveolar abscess, phoenix abscess, recrudescent abscess, secondary apical abscess.
chronic periradicular or chronic periapical abscess–An inflammatory reaction to pulpal infection and necrosis characterized by gradual onset, little or no discomfort and the intermittent discharge of pus through an associated sinus tract. May also be known as chronic alveolar abscess, chronic apical abscess, chronic dentoalveolar abscess, suppurative apical periodontitis, suppurative periradiucular periodontitis.
(source: ADA www.ada.org/en/publications/cdt/glossary-of-dental-clinical-terms)
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