Where Do Periapical Infections Occur?

A periapical (per-e-AP-ih-kul) abscess occurs at the tip of the root, whereas a periodontal (per-e-o-DON-tul) abscess occurs in the gums at the side of a tooth root.

Where is an apical infection located on the tooth?

A periapical (per-ee-AP-ih-kul) abscess is a collection of infected material (pus) that forms at the tip of the root of a tooth.

How do tooth infections occur?

The pulp is the innermost part of the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. When bacteria invades the pulp, they can spread to the tip of the tooth's root causing the infection to spread to the bone eventually leading to an abscess. Periodontal: This infection starts in bone and tissues that support the tooth.