Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Difference between abcess and infected root

Is there a difference between an abcess and an infection in the root?  I visited my dentist last Thurs. and he said I have an infected root.  He wasn't sure, though, if it was caused by an infected sinus cavity very close to the root.  He prescribed Amoxicillan, and after taking only 2 that evening, all of the severe pain in my tooth and jaw were gone within a few hours.  I mean this is a tooth that I couldn't even touch with my tongue that day, it hurt so bad.   Can antibiotics work that quickly?

Thank you.    
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
An abcess is indicated by clinical symptoms, swelling,purulence,temperature etc. If the root is infected then I would think you need root canal therapy--a tooth can be sensitive to biting if it is near the sinus and the sinus is inflamed. These are two totally different conditions with different treatments. I can not tell which one without examining you.Ask your dentist if the nerve of your tooth is dead, in that case you would need root canal treatment.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
they can work quickly. an abcess does not have to be around a root. the words "infected root" however, to meimply that there is a dental relatedabcess aound the root of a tooth. I would ask your dentist for clarification. a root canal specialist would be best qualified to tell you if the infection (abcess) is coming fom the tooth (most likely, especially if there is a deep filling, decay or a previously done root canal in the tooth) or from the sinus.
Helpful - 0

You are reading content posted in the Dental Health Forum

Popular Resources
If you suffer from frequent headaches, jaw clicking and popping ear pain, you may have TMJ. Top dentist Hamidreza Nassery, DMD, has the best TMJ treatments for you.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.