Periapical radiograph showing peri-radicular radiolucency and bone loss caused by an<unk>  under the roots of two anterior teeth in a 30 year old patient An<unk>  is an infection that originates within a tooth or in the closely surrounding tissues. The term is derived from odonto- (Ancient Greek: , – 'tooth') and -genic (Ancient Greek: , ; – 'birth'). The most common causes for<unk>  to be established are dental caries, deep fillings, failed root canal treatments, periodontal disease, and pericoronitis.<unk>  starts as localised infection and may remain localised to the region where it started, or spread into adjacent or distant areas. It is estimated that 90-95% of all orofacial infections originate from the teeth or their supporting structures and are the most common infections in the oral and maxilofacial region.<unk> s can be severe if not treated and are associated with mortality rate of 10 to 40%. Furthermore, about 70% of<unk> s occur as periapical inflammation, i.e. acute periapical periodontitis or a periapical abscess. The next most common form of<unk>  is the periodontal abscess. __TOC__
Odontogenic infection
Viral disease
Fungal infection
Ectoparasitic infestation
Vertically transmitted infection
Environmental disease
Food contaminant
Psychogenic disease