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Diagnoses

Acute apical abscess

Common related diagnoses

It is possible that this diagnosis is part of a larger problem. Treating this condition may not treat the underlying cause. This condition may also lead to other problems. Here are some possible related diagnoses to investigate and talk to your dentist about.

Abscesses result when bacteria gain access to the inside of the tooth and/or jaw bone. Often this happens as a result of tooth trauma (concussion injuries), fractures, large cavities (caries), failing dental restorations, and new cavities under existing restorations (recurrent caries). Abscesses generally result in the classic "toothache", but other things can make them ache as well: sinus infections may cause the upper back teeth to ache; heart pain (angina) can radiate into the jaws, producing the symptoms of a toothache. Lymphoma has also been reported to cause recurrent toothache pain. Other types of cysts or tumors may also cause the jaws to ache and/or swell.

More information on dental diagnoses

Acute apical periodontitis
Dental diagnosis image: Acute apical periodontitis
Acute apical periodontitis is a condition in which the apical portion of a tooth's root becomes inflamed, secondary to trauma or infection...
Caries
Dental diagnosis image: Dental caries, tooth decay, cavities, pit fissure lesion
Dental caries is a bacterial illness believed to be caused by a single strain of bacteria known as Streptococcus mutans...
Chronic apical periodontitis
Dental diagnosis image: Chronic apical periodontitis
Chronic apical periodontitis is generally a non-painful condition in which the apical portion of a tooth's root is chronically inflamed. There may be drainage...
Concussion injuries
Dental diagnosis image: Dental concussion injury, bruised periodontal ligament
A concussion injury is an injury to the periodontal ligament, or to the nerve and blood vessel tissue at the tip of a tooth's root, sustained by a forceful impact to the tooth...
Cracked teeth
Dental diagnosis image: Cracked tooth
Cracks in teeth range from the obvious, visible fractures to less obvious (frequently invisible) microscopic fractures. Cracks can occur in the crown of the tooth...
Cysts and tumors of the jaws
Dental diagnosis image: Cysts, tumors, jaw ameloblastoma, odontogenic keratocyst
Jaw tumors and cysts may appear as swelling in the jaws, which may be asymptomatic. If present, they may enlarge and can produce an aching...
Failing restorations
Dental diagnosis image: Failing dental restoration, cracked filling
Fillings, crowns, and other types of dental restorations which are nearing the end of their service life are collectively referred to as "failing restorations." Restorations can fail in many ways...
Irreversible pulpitis
Dental diagnosis image: Irreversible pulpitis
Pulpitis is a general term for inflammation of the tooth "pulp", which consists of the blood vessels, nerve tissue, and living cells that occupy the hollow interior of teeth...
Lymphoma
Dental diagnosis image: Lymphoma
Dental infections can cause lymph node enlargement and tenderness, fever, and lack of energy. Since these are also symptoms of lymphoma...
Phoenix abscess
Dental diagnosis image: Phoenix abscess
Phoenix abscess is a painful condition in which the apical portion of a tooth's root becomes inflamed, which may result in swelling and fever. Almost always...
Recurrent caries
Dental diagnosis image: Recurrent caries
Recurrent caries is tooth decay that occurs under an existing filling or other dental restoration. It may be caused by...
Sinus infections
Dental diagnosis image: Maxillary sinus infection
The maxillary sinus is a hollow space under the cheek bones, which serves to lighten the skull, while providing a bony framework for attachment of the facial soft tissues. Often...