How does a periapical abscess appear on a radiograph?

… can be traced on radiographs from the alveolar crest around the roots of the teeth. Loss of continuity of the lamina dura at the apex of a tooth usually indicates the presence of periapical disease. The necrotic pulp of a nonvital tooth can cause infection that destroys periapical bone.

How is a periapical abscess diagnosed?

An X-ray of the aching tooth can help identify an abscess. Your dentist may also use X-rays to determine whether the infection has spread, causing abscesses in other areas. Recommend a CT scan. If the infection has spread to other areas within the neck, a CT scan may be used to assess the extent of the infection.

Can a periodontal abscess be seen on a radiograph?

The appearance of periodontal abscess on a radiograph depends on the duration and size of the abscess. The acute periodontal abscess cannot be visualized on a radiograph because of minimal changes in the alveolar bone, whereas a chronic lesion can be visualized, due to marked changes in the bone.

What are the clinical features of a periapical abscess?

These features and the clinical presentation are suggestive of periapical abscess surrounding the root of the left second maxillary premolar tooth with extension of the inflammatory process to surrounding soft tissue structures. It is usually secondary to dental caries and may need drainage for treatment.

Is there a periapical abscess on the left maxillary premolar tooth?

Bilaterally enlarged cervical lymph nodes belong to near all groups, mostly reactive. These features and the clinical presentation are suggestive of periapical abscess surrounding the root of the left second maxillary premolar tooth with extension of the inflammatory process to surrounding soft tissue structures.

What kind of abscess is at the root of a tooth?

Dental abscess. Dental (periapical) abscess is an acute infection of the periapical tissue around the root of the tooth.