Final answer:
A tooth affected by local infection or trauma is usually referred to as an abscessed tooth. Untreated infections can lead to a dental abscess or might cause the development of acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis, known as trench mouth. Root canal treatments are necessary when the pulp cavity within the tooth is infected.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tooth that is commonly affected by local infection or trauma is referred to as a abscessed tooth. Dental infections, such as those caused by cavities or dental caries, can spread beyond the enamel layer, reaching the underlying dentin, and even further to the inner pulp cavity. If these infections are left untreated, they may lead to the formation of a dental abscess, which extends to the deeper tissues and possibly into the bloodstream.
A focal infection can occur if oral bacteria enter the bloodstream from a source such as a nicked gum during a dental procedure, leading to possible secondary infections elsewhere in the body. Furthermore, trench mouth or acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis, exhibits severe symptoms including erosion of the gums, ulcers, and significant pain.
The structure of a tooth consists of a crown and a root, with the crown covered by enamel and the root by cementum. The pulp cavity within contains nerves and blood vessels, and if infected, a root canal treatment may be necessary. Periodontal disease such as gingivitis and periodontitis can also contribute to tooth infections when bacteria erode the gums and the cementum that anchors the teeth.=