Medical Terminology for Infected Tooth
The medical term for an infected tooth is "odontogenic infection," with the most common specific form being "acute dentoalveolar abscess" or "periapical abscess." 1, 2
Primary Terminology
Odontogenic infection is the umbrella term referring to any infection originating in the tooth proper or tissues closely surrounding it 1, 3
Acute dentoalveolar abscess (also called periapical abscess or dental abscess) is the most frequent clinical presentation, occurring when bacteria breach the periapical tissues through the apical foramen, inducing acute inflammation and pus formation 1, 2, 4
Periapical infection specifically describes infection at the apex (top of the root) of the tooth 2, 5
Clinical Context and Pathogenesis
These infections typically originate from dental pulp involvement secondary to caries, trauma, or failed endodontic treatment 5, 4
The infection progresses from the pulp chamber through the root canals to the periapical bone, then spreads through bone and periosteum toward nearby or distant structures 3
The causative organisms are polymicrobial, consisting primarily of gram-positive anaerobic or facultative bacteria from endogenous periodontal and gingival flora 1, 2
Related Terminology
Acute alveolar abscess is another commonly used term for the same condition 1
When infection extends beyond the tooth, it may be termed odontogenic orofacial infection or deep space abscess depending on anatomic involvement 1, 4
Complications involving facial spaces are still classified under odontogenic infections but may have specific anatomic descriptors (retropharyngeal, parapharyngeal, submandibular, sublingual) 1