Abscess on tooth
An abscess is an accumulation of pus in a new cavity created by an inflammatory, decomposing process. The pus that fills this cavity consists mainly of dead cells, bacteria and endogenous cells of the immune system. If an abscess develops on a tooth, this usually occurs via its root canal.
The germs penetrate the tooth via a caries and infect the dental nerve, which emerges from the tooth at the end of the root. Here the inflammation spreads to the bone and surrounding tissue. Cells die and the pus accumulates.
Fistula on tooth
For example, if an abscess has formed at the tip of the root of a tooth, a so-called “fistula tract” often develops after some time. A fistula is a duct-like connection between two cavities or an organ and the body surface. In this case, a passageway is formed between the pus-filled cavity around the tooth and outward into the oral cavity.
The pus can flow off through this passage, which the person affected notices by a foul taste. The fistula is usually visible on the gums at the level of the root of the affected tooth. The fistula, like the abscess itself, can heal if the abscess is treated.
